Trump says he's nominating acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao for permanent job

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Hung Cao speaks during the Republican National Convention. | Photo Credit: AP

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday (September 1, 2026) that he is nominating acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao for the permanent job, giving the Navy combat veteran the nod as concerns have emerged that some sailors have been stretched to the limit during the Iran war.

Mr. Cao has been serving as acting Navy Secretary since John Phelan departed the job unexpectedly and without explanation in late April. Unlike Mr. Phelan, who had not served in the military or had a civilian leadership role in the service, Mr. Cao spent 25 years in the Navy as a special operations officer and went on to serve with SEAL teams and special forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I am pleased to nominate a true WARRIOR,” Mr. Trump wrote on social media, prodding the Senate “to confirm this Warfighter, ASAP.” Mr. Cao on social media called it the “honour of a lifetime to lead the great warriors of the Navy and Marine Corps team.” Mr. Cao's nomination comes as some, including Democrats in Congress, believe Mr. Trump has been overtaxing the Navy. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier's nine-month deployment to support the Iran war has included a record-setting uninterrupted time at sea.

Concerns grew about the Lincoln's deployment following reports of deteriorating mental health among the crew and shortages of supplies including food and hygiene products. Several Democratic lawmakers, including Sens. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Ruben Gallego of Arizona, are pressing for accountability from the Pentagon over conditions aboard the ship.

Mr. Cao served as Navy undersecretary before his current role. He championed returning to duty service members who refused a Biden-era mandate to take the COVID-19 vaccine. The Trump loyalist also said he had no problem with the Navy's demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, flying so low over a crowded Florida beach in July that chairs and tents went flying.

Mr. Cao's nomination also comes at a time of upheaval in the top ranks of the U.S. military. In the latest example, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll submitted his resignation this week amid widespread reports of tension between him and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Donald Trump / national security / USA / waterway and maritime transport / Israel-US strikes on Iran

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