President Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to lead the department on a permanent basis. This decision follows a period of significant turnover within the upper echelons of the military, including the recent resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. Cao has been serving as the civilian head of the Navy since April, having stepped into the role after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed his predecessor, John Phelan, following a period of friction among Pentagon leadership.
In a social media statement, the president praised the nominee, describing him as a “true WARRIOR” and a “Patriot” essential for ensuring the Navy and Marine Corps remain the world’s most formidable force. Trump urged the Senate to expedite the confirmation process, stating that Cao should be approved “ASAP” to continue the work he has performed over the last four months.
Cao, who emigrated to the United States from Vietnam as a child, concluded a 30-year career in the Navy in 2021. His transition into politics included unsuccessful bids for a seat in Virginia’s 10th Congressional District in 2022 and a challenge against Democratic Senator Tim Kaine in 2024.
During his 2024 Senate campaign, Cao drew national attention for his vocal opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within military recruitment. During a debate with Kaine, he famously remarked that the military requires “alpha males and alpha females who are going to rip out their own guts, eat them and ask for seconds,” emphasizing his focus on an aggressive, combat-ready force structure. The report also notes that the Senate needs to confirm this Warfighter, ASAP, so he can continue the fantastic work he has been doing over the past 4 months,” Trump added.