Trump nominates loyalist Hung Cao to be permanent navy secretary

Acting secretary picked for top role as critics accuse president of overworking sailors during war with Iran

Donald Trump said Tuesday that he is nominating acting navy secretary Hung Cao for the permanent job, giving the navy combat veteran the nod as concerns have emerged that some sailors have been stretched to the limit during the Iran war.

Cao has been serving as acting navy secretary since John Phelan departed the job unexpectedly and without explanation in late April.

Unlike Phelan, who had not served in the military or had a civilian leadership role in the service, Cao spent 25 years in the navy as a special operations officer and went on to serve with Seal teams and special forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I am pleased to nominate a true WARRIOR,” Trump wrote on social media, prodding the Senate “to confirm this Warfighter, ASAP.”

Cao on social media called it the “honor of a lifetime to lead the great warriors of the Navy and Marine Corps team”.

Cao’s nomination comes as some, including Democrats in Congress, believe Trump has been overtaxing the navy. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier’s nine-month deployment to support the Iran war has included a record-setting uninterrupted time at sea.

Concerns grew about the Lincoln’s deployment following reports of deteriorating mental health among the crew and shortages of supplies including food and hygiene products. Several Democratic lawmakers, including senators Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Ruben Gallego of Arizona, are pressing for accountability from the Pentagon over conditions onboard the ship.

Cao served as navy undersecretary before his current role. He championed returning to duty service members who refused a Biden-era mandate to take the Covid vaccine. Cao, a Trump loyalist, also said he had no problem with the navy’s demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels, flying so low over a crowded Florida beach in July that chairs and tents went flying.

Cao’s nomination also comes at a time of upheaval in the top ranks of the US military. In the latest example, army secretary Dan Driscoll submitted his resignation this week amid widespread reports of tension between him and defense secretary Pete Hegseth.