John Phelan
Secretary of the Navy
John Phelan was born in 1964. He earned an undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University. He received an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.
Phelan co-founded two private investment companies and served as an executive of both. He is a philanthropist and has served as a chairman on boards of trustees and foundations.
Phelan was nominated by President Donald Trump to be Secretary of the Navy. He was confirmed by the vote of the Senate and assumed office in March 2025.
He is married to Amy, and they have one daughter.
In the News…
Secretary of the Navy John Phelan issued a memo ordering cuts to contracts, including IT and climate.
Secretary Phelan wrote, “Collectively, these contract terminations represent over $568 million in total contract value, which we estimate can allow the Navy to repurpose up to $200 million in taxpayer funds in a more effective manner.”
The Navy secretary added, “I commend the Navy leaders who raised this opportunity that will result in a more effective fighting force. Moreover, I encourage leaders across the Department of the Navy to follow this example in identifying opportunities to eliminate wasteful spending which we can then re-invest into critical mission needs.“
Secretary Phelan also ended the Navy’s climate action plan, stating, “I’m focusing on warfighters first.“ He added, “We need to focus on having a lethal and ready naval force, unimpeded by ideologically motivated regulations.”
