Trump Nominates Hung Cao as Navy Secretary, Praises Leadership

President Donald Trump has announced his decision to nominate acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao for the permanent position of leading the service. Describing Cao as a ‘true warrior,’ Trump emphasized the need for a swift Senate confirmation.

Cao has been fulfilling the role of acting secretary for four months, overseeing operations at the Navy and Marine Corps. During his tenure, the Trump administration has focused on expanding U.S. shipbuilding and enhancing military maritime capabilities.

‘I am pleased to nominate a true warrior, Hung Cao, to become the next Secretary of the Navy,’ Trump shared on Truth Social. ‘We need patriots like Hung leading our Navy and Marine Corps, and I can think of no one better than him to ensure our great Navy and Marine Corps remain the fiercest and best force the world has ever seen.’

Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao recently testified during the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that reviews the Defense Authorization Request for the fiscal year 2027 and future years defense programs.

Trump urged the Senate to proceed quickly with Cao’s nomination, highlighting Cao’s successful leadership thus far.

‘The Senate needs to confirm this warfighter, ASAP, so he can continue the fantastic work he has been doing over the past four months,’ Trump stated.

Cao expressed gratitude following the announcement, reaffirming his commitment to priorities such as shipbuilding and homeland defense.

As tensions with China grow, the U.S. has temporarily paused weapon sales to Taiwan due to conflicts involving Iran, as reported by Acting Navy Secretary Cao.

‘Thank you, Mr. President. It’s an honor of a lifetime to lead the great warriors of the Navy and Marine Corps team,’ Cao wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. ‘I’m grateful for your leadership and support as we continue to prioritize shipbuilding and ensure homeland defense.’

Cao, a retired Navy captain, boasts a 25-year service career, including special operations and deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. After leaving the Navy, he pursued political ambitions but did not succeed in his bid for Congress and Senate positions.

Trump previously endorsed Cao in his 2024 Senate campaign, emphasizing Cao’s military background. Despite his defeat, Cao joined the Trump administration and assumed his current role earlier in the year.

With Senate confirmation, Cao would officially manage the entire Department of the Navy, encompassing both the Navy and Marine Corps.

The White House and U.S. Navy have not provided immediate feedback on the nomination. Jasmine Baehr covers breaking news for Fox News Digital, focusing on military, political, and cultural topics.