Cao has led the Navy on an interim basis since John Phelan’s sudden resignation in April, as US forces face operational pressures overseas
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday nominated acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to take over the role permanently, ending months of interim leadership at the Department of the Navy.
Cao has served as acting secretary since April, when John Phelan abruptly resigned from .... His nomination now goes to the US Senate for confirmation.
Trump backs Cao as ‘true warrior’
Trump announced the nomination on Truth Social and called on lawmakers to approve Cao quickly.
“I am pleased to nominate a true WARRIOR, Hung Cao, to become the next Secretary of the Navy,” Trump wrote. “The Senate needs to confirm this Warfighter, ASAP, so he can continue the fantastic work he has been doing over the past 4 months.”
Cao, a retired Navy captain and combat veteran, was born in South Vietnam and moved to the United States as a child. He was confirmed as Under Secretary of the Navy in late 2025 before becoming acting secretary earlier this year.
Nomination comes amid Pentagon upheaval
Cao’s nomination comes at a turbulent time for the US Department of Defence, which is led by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
His permanent appointment follows the sudden resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll earlier this week, reportedly amid tensions within the Pentagon’s senior civilian leadership.
Cao has also faced several challenges during his time as acting Navy secretary. These include ongoing US military operations involving Iran and scrutiny over lengthy deployments by US carrier strike groups.
Democratic lawmakers have raised concerns about conditions aboard ships, including the USS Abraham Lincoln, following deployments lasting several months without resupply or shore leave. Cao has rejected reports of shortages of food and supplies aboard Navy vessels, calling them inaccurate.
Despite disagreements with some lawmakers over Navy policy, Cao has retained strong backing from conservative Republicans. His tenure has included efforts to strengthen the Navy’s force posture and reinstate service members who were discharged under previous military mandates.
If confirmed by the Senate, Cao would become the 35th Secretary of the Navy. He would oversee the Navy and Marine Corps’ budgets, military readiness and global fleet deployments.
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