President Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Hung Cao as the permanent U.S. Navy secretary, urging the Senate to confirm the acting secretary swiftly. Cao, a combat veteran, has been serving in an acting capacity since April.
The nomination of Hung Cao as Navy Secretary is significant as it places a combat veteran with extensive naval experience in a key leadership role during a period of geopolitical tension and scrutiny over military readiness and sailor well-being.
President Donald Trump announced Tuesday his intention to nominate Hung Cao as the permanent U.S. Navy secretary, urging the Senate to confirm the acting secretary swiftly. Trump referred to Cao as a "true WARRIOR" on Truth Social and emphasized the need for his quick confirmation.
Cao, who has been serving as Acting Navy Secretary since April 22, 2026, is a combat veteran with 25 years of naval service, including special operations roles. He previously ran unsuccessfully for the Senate against Tim Kaine. Cao has been leading the Navy during the ongoing Iran war and faced scrutiny over conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln.
Senator Rick Scott has publicly supported Cao's nomination. Cao immigrated to the U.S. in 1975 and was commissioned from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1996.