Trump nominates loyalist Hung Cao to be permanent navy secretary

President Donald Trump has nominated acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao for the permanent position as concerns have surfaced that sailors have been overworked during the Iran war. Cao, a former special operations officer with 25 years of service, has been serving as acting secretary since John Phelan unexpectedly left his role in late April.

Trump expressed his satisfaction in nominating a "true WARRIOR" and urged the Senate to confirm Cao "ASAP." Cao welcomed the role as "the honor of a lifetime to lead the great warriors of the Navy and Marine Corps team." The nomination comes amid allegations that President Trump has been overworking navy personnel, as evidenced by reports of deteriorating mental health among the crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, which has been deployed for nine months without respite.

Democrats have called for accountability from the Pentagon regarding the ship's conditions, including shortages of supplies such as food and hygiene products. Cao previously championed returning service members who refused a Biden-era mandate to receive the Covid vaccine. Despite his loyalty to Trump, Cao showed no objection to the Blue Angels flying so low over a crowded Florida beach in July that chairs and tents were damaged.

This nomination also occurs amid a period of change in the upper echelons of the US military, with army secretary Dan Driscoll resigning amid reports of tension between him and defense secretary Pete Hegseth.