Trump Nominates Hung Cao for SECNAV
Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao is President Donald Trump’s pick to be the permanent SECNAV, the president announced on Tuesday. “I am pleased to nominate a true WARRIOR, Hung Cao, to become the next Secretary of the Navy. We need Patriots like Hung leading our Navy and Marine Corps, and I can think of no one better than him to make sure our Great Navy and Marine Corps remain the FIERCEST and BEST Force the World has ever seen,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “The Senate needs to confirm this Warfighter, ASAP, so he can continue the fantastic work he
Hung Cao, Acting Secretary of the Navy, delivers remarks at a reception prior to an Evening Parade at Marine Barracks Washington, D.C., Aug. 25, 2026. US Marine Corps photo Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao is President Donald Trump’s pick to be the permanent SECNAV, the president announced on Tuesday.
“I am pleased to nominate a true WARRIOR, Hung Cao, to become the next Secretary of the Navy. We need Patriots like Hung leading our Navy and Marine Corps, and I can think of no one better than him to make sure our Great Navy and Marine Corps remain the FIERCEST and BEST Force the World has ever seen,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “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 has been leading the Department of the Navy since April following the removal of former SECNAV John Phelan. Prior to that, Cao served as the Undersecretary of the Navy since October.
He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1996 and served as an explosive ordnance disposal and diving officer. He retired from the Navy as a captain. After retiring, Cao ran unsuccessfully for both the House and Senate in Virginia as a Republican.
Cao has been vocal about his support for sailor quality of life initiatives and has prioritized shipbuilding during his time in office.
