President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he is nominating acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to permanently lead the service. The move ends a four-month period where Cao ran the branch on an interim basis. This confirms a leader with deep combat experience to guide the fleet. The White House wants the Senate to act fast on this choice.
In a Truth Social post, Trump labeled the former Navy special operations officer a "true WARRIOR" He urged lawmakers to confirm him so the work already started can continue without delay. Fox News Politics reported the full details of the announcement. The President stated, "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 held the top job since April 22, after former Secretary John Phelan left the administration. RedState noted that Phelan departed shortly after the Iran conflict began. Cao took over the role while serving as the under secretary of the Navy. He was confirmed to that lower post by a 52-45 vote in October 2025.
Cao is a Vietnamese refugee who arrived in the U.S. after the fall of Saigon. He served more than 30 years in the Navy before retiring as a captain in 2021. His career included time as a Navy diver and an explosive ordnance disposal officer. RedState confirmed his deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia during his service.
After leaving the military, he entered politics but lost a race against Democrat Rep. Jennifer Wex. Now he returns to government service to lead the Navy and Marine Corps team. He vowed to focus on building more ships when he first took the acting role. The Washington Examiner stated he promised to fulfill Trump's desire to ramp up shipbuilding.
Cao wrote on X to thank the President for the chance to serve. He said, "Thank you, Mr. President. "It is an honor of a lifetime to lead the great warriors of the Navy and Marine Corps teamHe further noted, "I'm grateful for your leadership and support as we continue to get after shipbuilding and ensure the defense of the homeland"
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) September 1, 2026
This nomination comes just one day after Army Secretary Dan Driscoll submitted his resignation. ABC News reported that Driscoll stepped down after disagreements with War Secretary Pete Hegseth. The timing links the Navy pick to a broader reshuffling of defense leaders. It also follows four months since John C. Phelan was ousted from the post.
Trump emphasized the need for loyal leaders in his post. "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" The President's words set a clear tone for the confirmation process.
Observers note that the nomination moves quickly after the acting period ended. The Senate must now vote to make the appointment permanent. No date for the vote has been set yet by the leadership. The process will rely on the confirmation rules used for the previous under secretary role.
The Senate will need to schedule a hearing and a floor vote to confirm Cao. Fox News Politics highlighted the urgency in the President's message. He wants the process done ASAP to avoid gaps in leadership. The focus remains on getting the job done for the troops.
