John Phelan (businessman)

John Cartwright Phelan (born 1964) is an American businessman, politician and art collector. Since 2025, he has been the 79th United States secretary of the Navy. Phelan is the co-founder and chairman of Rugger Management LLC. He is the co-founding partner and chief investment officer of MSD Capital.

In November 2024, President-elect Donald Trump picked Phelan to be his United States Secretary of the Navy under his second administration. In March 2025, he was confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

Business career
In 1998, Phelan helped create MSD Capital, a private investment company to manage the capital of Michael Dell. He also began working with Rugger Management LLC, a private investment company based in Palm Beach, Florida.

In August 2024, Phelan hosted a private fundraising dinner for former President Donald Trump at their $38 million home in Aspen, Colorado during the 2024 presidential election. People who went to the event included Texas Governor Greg Abbott, U.S. Representatives Byron Donalds and Lauren Boebert and former U.S. Senator Cory Gardner.

U.S. Secretary of the Navy
On November 27, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump picked Phelan to be his United States Secretary of the Navy under his second administration.

On February 27, 2025, he had his confirmation hearing before the United States Senate Committee on Armed Services. During the hearing, some senators including Elizabeth Warren were worried about his lack of military experience to lead the Navy, while others like Senator Roger Wicker supported his nomination.

He was confirmed by the Senate on March 24, 2025 and sworn in on March 25, 2025.

Personal life
Phelan earned a bachelor's degree in economics and political science at from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas in 1986. He later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1990.

In 2000, Phelan met his future wife Amy on a blind date. They have a daughter, Makenzie Moon Phelan.

References

Category:1964 births
Category:Living people
Category:Businesspeople from Florida
Category:Politicians from Florida
Category:Businesspeople from Dallas
Category:Politicians from Dallas
Category:Republican Party (United States) politicians