President Donald Trump has announced his nomination of acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to lead the service permanently. Describing Cao as a ‘true warrior,’ Trump urged the Senate to confirm him swiftly.
Cao, who has been the acting secretary for four months, oversees both the Navy and Marine Corps. The Trump administration seeks to expand U.S. shipbuilding and maritime military capabilities.
‘I am pleased to nominate a true WARRIOR, Hung Cao, to become the next Secretary of the Navy,’ Trump stated on Truth Social. ‘We need Patriots like Hung leading our Navy and Marine Corps.’
During his time in office, Cao has focused on shipbuilding and homeland defense. He thanked Trump for the opportunity, emphasizing his commitment to these priorities. Cao’s military service includes 25 years as a Navy captain with deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In 2022, he unsuccessfully ran for Congress and later challenged Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine in 2024. Trump backed Cao during that campaign, highlighting his military experience, though Cao conceded defeat. Cao then joined the Trump administration, serving as acting Navy secretary.
If confirmed, Cao will officially lead the Department of the Navy, which includes both the Navy and the Marine Corps.
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