Even some MAGA supporters are unhappy with Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of the Navy.
Trump announced Tuesday evening that he had appointed John Phelan, founder and chairman of Rugger Management, to lead the Navy. “A true Champion of American Enterprise and Ingenuity!”
Trump wrote in a statement. “John’s knowledge and leadership abilities are unrivaled. John has an MBA from Harvard Business School and is a highly intelligent individual! His vast expertise and experience will improve the lives of the brave Americans who serve our country.
Phelan is an odd choice, given his lack of military experience. According to Military Times, if confirmed by the Senate, he will be the first permanent Navy secretary without military experience since 2009, when Donald Winter completed his three-year term in the position.
Unlike Winter, who previously worked in the Pentagon and on Navy contracts at big defense contractors, Phelan has little public link to the sea service. Phelan does, however, serve on the board of a foundation “dedicated to supporting troops and diplomats worldwide.”
A tidbit that could clarify Trump’s decision: Phelan was a major contributor to Trump’s campaign, in addition to his business background. He reportedly gave more than $800,000 to Trump’s joint fundraising committee in April.
He and his wife hosted a Trump campaign fundraiser dinner at their $38 million mansion this summer, “where attendees were required to donate anywhere from $25,000 to $500,000 a couple,” according to The Guardian.
Even some of Trump’s fans are questioning the decision and viewing it as cronyism.
One X user with “#MAGA” in her bio said, “This makes ZERO sense.” NONE. How is Trump appointing a hedge fund executive as Secretary of the Navy? WTH??? I’m a great Trump supporter, but we need MILITARY COMMANDERS to lead military branches.
“Questioning the John Phelan pick,” wrote another “Pro-Trump” user. “Feel like honoring a crony since he has no military experience. However, if his focus is on ensuring that the supply chain is up to date so that the Navy can build the ships it need, it may be acceptable.”
Other conservative X users inquired, “Umm, why?” He has never served in the Navy,” noticed the appointment “seems like a gift,” and found it a “strange choice to select a someone with no military experience to oversee a branch of the military.”
“The Secretary of the Navy should be someone who served in the Navy,” said one user, “Ms. Deplorable.”
Responses to the announcement on Trump’s Truth Social platform reflect similar thoughts. One person remarked, “As a US Navy veteran, I want a sailor in command!! Not some Wall Street billionaire with zero military experience!! “You got this wrong, DJT!!”
Another stated the choice. “feels like you’re rewarding a friend/donor.”