Trump Nominates Hung Cao as Navy Secretary

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, that he is nominating Hung Cao to serve as the permanent Secretary of the Navy. Cao has been acting in the role since April, following the departure of former Navy Secretary John Phelan. The nomination elevates a combat veteran and recent political candidate to lead the Department of the Navy during a period of ongoing operational demands. According to a statement from the president, the nomination is intended to ensure continuity in the department's leadership. Trump described Cao as a "true WARRIOR" and a "Patriot," urging the Senate to confirm him "ASAP" so he can continue the work he has undertaken over the past four months. Cao assumed the acting secretary position in April after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed Phelan from the post. Prior to that, Cao served as the Senate-confirmed Under Secretary of the Navy, where he was the chief management officer responsible for modernizing the Navy's information technology and business systems. Since taking the helm as acting secretary, he has focused on shipbuilding and modernization initiatives. In recent months, Cao has launched several new programs.