Trump Nominates Businessman John Phelan as Navy Secretary
Phelan, a major GOP donor with no military experience, faces scrutiny over his qualifications for the role.
- John Phelan, a private equity executive and major Trump campaign donor, has been nominated to serve as Secretary of the Navy.
- Phelan has no prior military or defense experience, marking the first such appointment to the role in over a decade.
- Critics, including veterans and defense analysts, have raised concerns about his lack of relevant expertise for overseeing the Navy's complex operations and challenges.
- Supporters, including Trump, praise Phelan's business acumen, describing him as a disruptor who can streamline bureaucracy and advance the 'America First' agenda.
- The nomination comes as the Navy faces critical challenges, including fleet modernization, global commitments, and potential conflicts with China over Taiwan.