Trump Selects GOP Mega Donor and Picasso Collector as Navy Secretary, But There’s a Big Problem

John Phelan, a Republican megadonor and fine art collector, has been nominated by Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of the Navy despite having no previous military experience.

Democrats may address this during confirmation hearings, as a military background is common among those who hold high office, but it is clear that Trump values ​​Phelan’s experience in the private equity game.

“John will be a tremendous force for our Navy members, and a steadfast leader in advancing my America First vision. He will put the business of the United States Navy above all else,” the president-elect said in a statement.

Phelan co-founded MSD Capital, the private investment firm of Michael Dell, the founder and CEO of Dell Technologies.

He is also the founder and chairman of Florida-based private investment firm Rugger Management LLC.

“His record speaks for itself: a true champion of American entrepreneurship and ingenuity. John’s intelligence and leadership are unmatched.”

Phelan and his wife Amy – who own a $38 million estate in Aspen, Colorado – spend much of their money collecting works of art, as they own several pieces by Picasso, Andy Warhol, Basquiat and many other classical and modern artists , thus The Art Newspaper.

The family has also been a staunch supporter of Trump: Phelan donated $834,600 to Trump’s joint fundraising committee in April, FEC filings show.

John Phelan, a Republican megadonor and fine art collector, has been nominated by Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of the Navy despite having no previous military experience

Phelan’s family has also been a staunch supporter of Trump: Phelan donated $834,600 to Trump’s joint fundraising committee in April, according to FEC filings

He also donated to several Republican state parties during the 2024 election cycle, when Republicans took back the Senate and retained the House.

The Phelans hosted Trump for an August fundraiser at their Colorado home, where Trump warned his supporters that if he lost to Kamala Harris this “could be the last election we ever have.” The Guardian reported.

Born in Coral Gables, Florida, Phelan graduated from Southern Methodist University and earned an MBA from Harvards.

He and his wife have a daughter, socialite Makenzie Moon Phelan, and he sits on the boards of several museums.

“John’s intelligence and leadership are unparalleled,” Trump said. ‘John has an MBA from Harvard Business School and is a truly brilliant guy! His incredible knowledge and experience will elevate the lives of the brave Americans who serve our nation.”

It is unclear what Phelan’s plans are for the Navy, which is currently led by Carlos Del Toro, a retired Navy officer, under Joe Biden.

It is believed that two more traditional Trump loyalists – including Congressman and former medical advisor Dr. Ronny Jackson and outgoing Rep. Mike Garcia of California – the other candidates for the job were.

Trump reportedly held a round of interviews at Mar-a-Lago on Monday, which also included Phelan Politics.

Born in Coral Gables, Florida, Phelan graduated from Southern Methodist University and earned an MBA from Harvards. He and his wife have a daughter, socialite Makenzie Moon Phelan, and he sits on the boards of several museums

The Phelans hosted Trump for an August fundraiser at their Colorado home, where Trump warned his supporters that if he lost to Kamala Harris this “could be the last election we ever have.”

Five different men served as secretary or acting secretary during Trump’s first term, all of whom had a Navy or military background. The law requires each Navy secretary to be a civilian when nominated and to be out of service for at least five years.

The last Navy head to have no prior military experience was Donald C. Winter, who served under George W. Bush from 2006 to 2009.

The president-elect and some of his nominees have expressed a desire to rid the military of “wokeness.”

This includes controversial Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Trump reportedly plans to create a “warrior council” of retired ex-military personnel to root out “woke generals” deemed unfit for leadership.

The newly elected president’s transition team would consider a draft executive order with the authority to review three- and four-star officials they say “lack the requisite leadership qualities,” according to the draft seen by the Wall Street Journal.

During his re-election campaign, Donald Trump promised to purge the military of so-called “woke” generals, even going so far as to suggest that his critic and former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mark Milley, could be executed for treason. .

Current and former US officials say Trump will prioritize loyalty during his second term and root out military officers and career officials he sees as disloyal.

As commander in chief, Trump will have the power to fire any officer at will starting in January. But an outside administration would allow him to bypass the Pentagon’s usual promotion system, suggesting an impending purge, the WSJ notes.

There have also been rumors that Trump will again ban transgender people from serving in the military, although the transition team has put the brakes on that idea for now.

Phelan’s position requires a simple majority, or a 50-50 split with a tiebreaker from newly elected Vice President J.D. Vance, in the Senate to advance.

The Republican Party has 53 seats in the upcoming Senate, compared to the Democrats’ 47.