Trump nominates Hung Cao as Navy Secretary

President Donald Trump has nominated Hung Cao, who has been serving as acting Navy secretary since April, to permanently lead the Department of the Navy as the service confronts strain from ongoing Iran-related operations and lengthy deployments. Cao is a 25-year Navy veteran and former under secretary who previously led the Navy’s readiness and shipbuilding priorities and has a background in special operations, with additional experience in the private defense sector. Trump praised Cao as a “true WARRIOR” and urged a swift Senate confirmation, while Cao called it the honor of a lifetime to lead the Navy and Marine Corps team. The nomination follows leadership turnover at the Pentagon and a demanding operational tempo, including long carrier deployments and concerns about sailor mental health and supplies. Cao’s Senate confirmation is the next step, with his prior tenure and Trump allegiance expected to shape the confirmation process. This nomination comes as the Navy seeks stability amid a broader period of leadership changes across the defense departments.