President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced the nomination of acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to permanently lead the Department of the Navy, calling him a “true WARRIOR” and urging the Senate to confirm him swiftly. Cao, a retired Navy captain with 25 years of service, has served as acting secretary since April, following the abrupt departure of his predecessor, John Phelan, who left without explanation.
Cao’s Military and Political Background
Cao, a veteran of special operations, served in Iraq and Afghanistan and spent 25 years in the Navy before retiring in 2021. He later entered politics, running unsuccessfully for Congress in 2022 and for the Senate in 2024 against Democratic incumbent Tim Kaine. During his 2024 campaign, Cao drew attention for controversial remarks on diversity, equity, and inclusion, stating, What we need is alpha males and alpha females who are going to rip out their own guts, eat them and ask for seconds.
Before his acting role, Cao served as Under Secretary of the Navy from October 2025. His nomination comes amid ongoing debates over military readiness, including concerns about the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier’s extended deployment in the Middle East, which has raised alarms about sailors’ mental health and supply shortages The Guardian.
Context of Military Leadership Shifts
Cao’s nomination follows a period of upheaval in the U.S. military’s top ranks. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned this week amid reported tensions with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, while other senior leaders, including Gen. Randy George and Gen. Christopher Donahue, have also stepped down. Cao’s predecessor, Phelan, left the Navy secretary role in late April after months of friction with Pentagon officials USA Today.
Trump emphasized Cao’s qualifications in a Truth Social post, stating, We need Patriots like Hung leading our Navy and Marine Corps, and I can think of no one better than him to make sure our Great Navy and Marine Corps remain the FIERCEST and BEST Force the World has ever seen.
Cao, in turn, expressed gratitude for the nomination, pledging to prioritize shipbuilding and homeland defense Fox News.
Concerns Over Navy Readiness and Deployment
Democrats and military analysts have raised concerns about the strain on Navy personnel, citing the USS Abraham Lincoln’s nine-month deployment, which included record-setting time at sea. Reports of deteriorating mental health and supply shortages have prompted calls for accountability from the Pentagon. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) have criticized the administration’s handling of the situation Newsday.
Cao’s tenure as acting secretary has also been marked by his support for returning service members who refused a Biden-era COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Additionally, he faced scrutiny for endorsing the Blue Angels’ low-altitude flight over a Florida beach in July, which caused damage to nearby property The Guardian.
Next Steps and Political Implications
The Senate must now confirm Cao’s nomination, a process that has gained urgency as congressional elections approach in two months. Trump’s push for swift action aligns with broader efforts to consolidate control over military appointments. Cao’s confirmation would mark the culmination of a political trajectory that began with his 1975 immigration to the U.S. from Vietnam, followed by a career in the Navy and subsequent forays into public service NTD.
If confirmed, Cao would oversee the Navy and Marine Corps, including their roles in ongoing conflicts and defense initiatives. His nomination underscores the administration’s focus on military readiness, even as tensions with Congress and internal Pentagon dynamics persist.
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