Presidential Pick: Trump Taps Hung Cao for Permanent Navy Secretary Role
President Donald Trump has nominated combat veteran Hung Cao as the permanent Navy Secretary, a decision made amid concerns about Navy personnel strain during the Iran war. Cao, with 25 years of service, takes the helm as questions arise regarding fleet deployments and military leadership changes.
President Donald Trump has announced his nomination of acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao for the permanent position, citing Cao's distinguished military background. This nomination comes amidst growing concerns regarding the strain on some Navy personnel, particularly in the context of the ongoing Iran war. Cao, a combat veteran, previously served 25 years in the Navy as a special operations officer, including tours with SEAL teams and special forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Trump lauded Cao as a 'true WARRIOR' and urged the Senate to confirm his appointment swiftly, a sentiment echoed by Cao, who expressed it was the 'honor of a lifetime to lead the great warriors of the Navy and Marine Corps team'.
Cao's ascendancy to this role follows the unexpected departure of John Phelan in late April. Unlike his predecessor, who lacked military service or civilian leadership experience in the armed forces, Cao brings extensive hands-on experience to the position. His nomination also occurs during a period where some, including Democratic members of Congress, have voiced belief that the Trump administration has been overtaxing the Navy.
A notable example of this concern is the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier's nine-month deployment supporting the Iran war, which included a record-setting period of uninterrupted time at sea. Reports of deteriorating mental health among the crew and shortages of essential supplies, such as food and hygiene products, on the Lincoln have prompted several Democratic lawmakers, including Senators Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Ruben Gallego of Arizona, to demand accountability from the Pentagon.
Before his acting role, Cao served as Navy undersecretary, where he notably championed the return to duty of service members who had refused the Biden-era COVID-19 vaccine mandate. A staunch Trump loyalist, Cao also indicated no issue with the Blue Angels demonstration squadron flying at low altitudes over a crowded Florida beach, an incident in July that caused chairs and tents to be displaced. This nomination is set against a backdrop of significant upheaval within the top echelons of the U.S. military, exemplified by the recent resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll amidst reports of tension with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.