Donald Trump Nominates Hung Cao as Permanent Navy Secretary

President Donald Trump nominated acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to serve in the role permanently on Tuesday. A retired naval captain and combat veteran, Cao has led the service since April, following the firing of former Navy Secretary John Phelan over disagreements regarding leadership and shipbuilding.

The nomination comes during a period of instability at the Pentagon, highlighted by the recent resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll after clashes with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Cao's leadership has been defined by the ongoing conflict with Iran, including the blockade of Iranian ports and the prolonged deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln.

The aircraft carrier has remained at sea for over nine months, resulting in reports of water contamination, food shortages, and declining mental health among the crew. While Democratic lawmakers have demanded accountability for these conditions, Cao has defended the deployment as a necessity of warfighting. The appointment now awaits Senate confirmation, though the chamber remains in recess until mid-September.