The U.S. Senate has confirmed John Phelan as the 79th Secretary of the Navy with a 62–30 vote. Phelan, a businessman with no military experience, was nominated by President Donald Trump. He previously co-founded the private investment firm MSD Capital and later established Rugger Management LLC. During his confirmation hearing, Phelan acknowledged the Navy’s challenges, including shipbuilding delays and maintenance backlogs, and pledged to implement reforms to enhance efficiency and accountability. His appointment marks a significant shift in leadership, as he is only the seventh non-veteran to serve in this role in the past 70 years
