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

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he is nominating acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao for the permanent position, in response to concerns about stretched Navy sailors during the Iran war. Cao, a combat veteran with a 25-year tenure in the Navy, including special operations roles and service with SEAL teams in Iraq and Afghanistan, was nominated due to his combat experience.

He is a replacement for John Phelan, who unexpectedly resigned in late April without explanation. Unlike Phelan, Cao had a military background and civilian leadership experience. Trump praised Cao as a "true WARRIOR" and urged the Senate to confirm his nomination "ASAP." The nomination comes amid growing worries that the Navy has been overburdened, particularly with the USS Abraham Lincoln's nine-month deployment for the Iran war, which saw the carrier maintain an uninterrupted time at sea.

Democrats have expressed concern over crew mental health and supply shortages. Cao previously served as Navy undersecretary and championed returning service members who refused the COVID-19 vaccine mandate during the Biden administration. This nomination also arrives at a time of significant changes within the U.S. military, including Army Secretary Dan Driscoll's recent resignation amid reports of tension between him and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.