Trump Nominates Hung Cao to Permanently Lead Navy Amid Pentagon Turmoil

Key points

• Trump announced the nomination of Hung Cao on September 1, 2026, urging the Senate to confirm him 'ASAP' to continue his work over the past four months.
• Cao replaced John Phelan in April after Phelan was fired by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth amid tensions regarding a new battleship and other leadership disputes.
• The nomination follows the resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and the abrupt retirements of senior Army generals, including Gen. Randy George and Gen. Christopher Donahue.
• Cao, who immigrated from Vietnam, served in the Navy for over 25 years, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, before retiring in 2021.
• Cao previously lost Republican primaries for Congress in 2022 and the U.S. Senate in 2024, where he made headlines for disparaging diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Background

This nomination follows a period of significant instability within the Department of Defense. In August 2026, concerns were raised regarding the welfare of sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln during a record-long deployment to the Middle East in support of the Iran War. Cao met with family members of the crew to address these concerns. Additionally, the broader context includes Trump's recent appointments to other agencies, such as the FDA, signaling a continued push for 'America First' policies across federal departments.

How outlets are covering it

USA Today and Fox News emphasize Cao's military background and Trump's characterization of him as a 'true warrior,' focusing on the need for strong leadership in shipbuilding and homeland defense. Fox News highlights Cao's 25 years of service and special operations experience. Politico, however, frames the nomination as a response to 'Pentagon turmoil,' noting that Cao's appointment is part of a broader effort to stabilize the department after multiple senior departures. Politico also points out the friction between Phelan and Hegseth over a battleship project, which precipitated the vacancy. All sources agree that Cao's 2024 campaign remarks regarding diversity and inclusion remain a point of public scrutiny, though they do not detail the current political opposition to the nomination.

Why it matters

The confirmation of Hung Cao as Navy Secretary is critical for stabilizing the Department of the Navy and Marine Corps during a period of intense military conflict and internal leadership churn. His appointment signals the administration's continued focus on expanding shipbuilding capabilities and maintaining a strong maritime presence, particularly in the context of the ongoing war in Iran. However, the nomination may face political hurdles due to Cao's controversial past statements, potentially impacting the speed of Senate confirmation.

What to watch

The Senate must now vote on Cao's nomination. If confirmed, he will formally assume responsibility for the Department of the Navy, overseeing both the Navy and Marine Corps. The administration expects to prioritize shipbuilding and homeland defense under his leadership. The outcome of this vote will also reflect the broader political climate regarding military leadership and diversity policies within the armed forces.