Who is Hung Cao? Trump Nominates Combat Veteran Who Served in Iraq and Afghanistan as US Navy Secretary | Today’s news

US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday (local time) that he would nominate Hung Cao from acting Navy Secretary to take over the position permanently.

Trump’s decision to nominate Cao comes amid reports that some US sailors are stretched to the limit as the Iran war drags on with no end in sight.

“I am pleased to nominate a true WARRIOR, Hung Cao, to be the next Secretary of the Navy. We need patriots like Hung to lead our Navy and Marine Corps, and I can think of no one better than him to ensure that our Grand Navy and Marine Corps remain the BEST and BEST Force the world has ever seen. The Senate must confirm as soon as possible fantastic job he has done in this war 4 months Thank you for your attention Trump said on Truth Social.

“Thank you, Mr. President. It is a lifetime honor to lead the great warriors of the Navy and Marine Corps team. I am grateful for your leadership and support as we continue to build ships and ensure the defense of the homeland,” Cao said on X in response to Trump’s message.

Who is Hung Cao?

Cao has been serving as acting US Navy secretary since late April, when his predecessor John Phelan left the position without any explanation.

While Phelan had no military background or civilian leadership in the service, Cao is a war veteran and had a 25-year career in the US Navy as a special operations officer. He was part of several SEAL and Special Forces teams deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Before being promoted to Acting Secretary of the Navy, Cao was the 35th Assistant Secretary of the United States Navy beginning in October 2025.

He was the Republican Party’s nominee for the 2022 election for Virginia’s 10th congressional district and also for the 2024 U.S. Senate election, in which he was defeated by Tim Kaine of the Democratic Party.

Cao has two sons and three daughters with his wife, April Lakata Cao. His wife teaches all their children at home.

Cao’s father was a high-ranking official in the Vietnamese government, the country where he was born. His father, Quan Cao, was an assistant to the country’s vice president.

Cao has been awarded numerous military decorations, including the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Distinguished Volunteer Service Medal, and the NATO Medal.