President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he is formally nominating Hung Cao to become the next Secretary of the Navy. Cao has been serving as acting secretary since May, overseeing both the Navy and Marine Corps while the Trump administration accelerates shipbuilding and bolsters America’s maritime capabilities.
Trump’s endorsement
In a post on Truth Social, the president called Cao a “true warrior” and said, “We need Patriots like Hung leading our Navy and Marine Corps, and I can think of no one better to make sure our Great Navy and Marine Corps remain the fiercest and best force the world has ever seen.” Trump added that the Senate should move swiftly, noting the “fantastic work” Cao has done during his acting tenure.
Cao’s military background
Hung Cao is a retired Navy captain with 25 years of service. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he spent much of his career in special operations and saw combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. After leaving active duty, Cao entered politics, running unsuccessfully for Congress in 2022 and challenging Democratic Senator Tim Kaine in 2024, a race in which President Trump endorsed him.
Policy focus
In his brief statement after the nomination, Cao said he would continue to prioritize shipbuilding and homeland defense, echoing the administration’s push to expand U.S. shipyards and modernize the fleet. The nomination comes as the Department of the Navy seeks to address aging vessels, increase production rates, and ensure the service can meet emerging global threats.
Senate confirmation outlook
Trump urged Senate Republicans to confirm Cao “ASAP” so he can keep advancing the department’s work. While the White House and the Navy have not commented further, the nomination is expected to be reviewed by the Senate Armed Services Committee before a full Senate vote.
Implications for the Navy
If confirmed, Cao would become the first former special‑operations officer to lead the Navy permanently, a signal that the administration values combat‑experience and a hard‑line stance on national defense. His leadership could shape procurement decisions, force structure, and the ongoing effort to keep the United States’ maritime edge.
Local impact
Although the story is national in scope, the nomination may affect shipyards and defense contractors across the country, including those in Texas, Virginia, and the Gulf Coast, where increased shipbuilding contracts could bring jobs and economic growth to local communities.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
