Trump says he's nominating acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao for permanent job
President Donald Trump has nominated combat veteran Hung Cao to serve as the permanent Navy Secretary. The nomination comes amid internal military strain and congressional scrutiny regarding the welfare of sailors deployed during the Iran war.
Why it matters
The appointment is critical as the U.S. Navy faces operational fatigue and leadership challenges during an active conflict period.
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday (September 1, 2026) 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.
Mr. Cao has been serving as acting Navy Secretary since John Phelan departed the job unexpectedly and without explanation in late April. Unlike Mr. Phelan, who had not served in the military or had a civilian leadership role in the service, Mr. 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.
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