In addition to John Phelan, there were also 12 passengers on the list Epstein and his close associate Jean-Luc Brunel, the owner of a modeling agency who committed suicide in 2022 before the start of the trial for rape of minors. The details of six people on the list have been hidden.
When did John Phelan fly on Epstein's plane?
How many passengers were on board the plane?
Why didn't Phelan want to comment on this situation?
What role does John Phelan play in the US administration?
A close friend of Phelan confirmed that he was on the plane and assured that this was the only time Phelan had contact with Epstein. He was to be invited on board by businessman Jimmy Cayne.
Phelan allegedly did not know that it would be Epstein's plane – his friend told CNN. During these times, Phelan worked in the financial sector. During the flight, Epstein pitched a tax idea to the other passengers that “didn't interest Phelan,” his friend maintains. He assured that Phelan never spoke to Epstein again or made any other contact with him.
John Phelan declined to comment
There is no evidence that Phelan was aware of the illegal activities of Epstein or his associates at the time. In the same year, but several months later, Epstein was charged in Florida with soliciting prostitution.
Phelan and his wife are well-known art collectors who have raised millions of dollars for President Donald Trump's campaign. In March 2025, Phelan took over as Secretary of the Navy, even though has no experience in the military sector – noted the station. The Navy Department reports to the Pentagon, so Phelan's direct superior is Defense Minister Pete Hegseth.
Phelan, through a Navy spokesman, declined to comment on the appearance of his name in the documents.
