Trump nominates loyalist Hung Cao to be permanent navy secretary

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Published: 2026-09-02T00:41:43.155Z • Permanent link

Hung Cao, a longtime loyalist to former President Donald Trump, has been nominated by the president to serve as the permanent secretary of the United States Navy. Cao currently serves as the acting secretary, a role he has held since November 2022. Trump announced the nomination on Tuesday, stating that Cao would be the best person for the job due to his experience and commitment to the Navy.

Cao's background in the Navy dates back to 1994, when he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve. He served in various roles, including as a Navy pilot and a commander in the Navy's Special Warfare Command. In 2009, Cao became a key advisor to Trump, who was then a businessman, and the two have remained close ever since. Cao's nomination has been met with skepticism by some, who argue that his lack of experience in the Navy's civilian leadership role makes him ill-equipped for the job.

Critics have also pointed to the timing of the nomination, with some arguing that it is a move aimed at rewarding Cao's loyalty to Trump rather than his qualifications for the position. The Navy has faced criticism for its handling of sailors during the war with Iran, with some accusing the service of overworking its personnel. Cao's nomination has sparked concerns that he may continue this trend.

Hung Cao's nomination for the permanent secretary of the Navy has significant implications for the country's military and defense policies. The Navy plays a critical role in the country's national security, and its leadership is responsible for ensuring that the service is equipped to respond to emerging threats. Cao's lack of experience in the civilian leadership role may raise concerns about his ability to make informed decisions and prioritize the needs of the Navy and its personnel.

The nomination also has implications for the research community, which has been studying the Navy's response to the war with Iran. Researchers at institutions such as the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the RAND Corporation have been analyzing the Navy's tactics and strategies during the conflict, and Cao's nomination may impact their ability to provide objective analysis. Furthermore, the nomination may also affect the market for Navy-related products and services, as investors and analysts weigh the potential implications for the country's defense industry.

Hung Cao's nomination is part of a larger pattern of Trump's efforts to appoint loyalists to key positions in the government. In recent years, Trump has nominated several individuals who have close ties to him to serve in high-level positions, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark Esper. This approach has been criticized by some, who argue that it undermines the independence of the government and creates conflicts of interest.