### Trump Nominates Major Donor John Phelan for Navy Secretary

President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate John Phelan, an art-collecting financier and Republican megadonor, as the new United States Secretary of the Navy. Despite Phelan lacking any military experience, Trump praised him as a force for advancing his "America First" vision.

"It is my great honor to announce John Phelan as our next United States Secretary of the Navy," Trump declared in a statement. He touted Phelan's leadership qualities and his contributions to American enterprise, depicting him as a passionate and capable leader. "John's intelligence and leadership are unmatched," Trump added.

However, Phelan's nomination has sparked controversy. Critics argue that his main qualification appears to be his significant financial support for Trump's campaign. Army veteran Paul Rieckhoff, founder of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America group, criticized the appointment on social media, pointing out Phelan's lack of military service and calling the cabinet "the least qualified and most overtly political" in American history.

Phelan's notable competitors for the position included Rep. Mike Garcia (R-CA), a retired naval aviator and Iraq veteran, and Rep. Ronny Jackson, a retired Navy captain who served as Trump's chief medical adviser. Trump's choice to bypass these candidates in favor of Phelan has raised eyebrows.

In related developments, Trump's other military appointment, Pete Hegseth, who is being considered for Defense Secretary, faces sexual assault allegations dating back to 2017. Hegseth has denied these claims, asserting that the encounter was consensual. Additionally, advisor Boris Epshteyn is under investigation for allegedly soliciting payments for access to Trump, which he denies.

Amid these controversies, Trump emphasized his control over nominations. "No one can promise any endorsement or nomination except me," he stated, reinforcing his direct involvement in the decision-making process.