Trump Taps True Warrior Hung Cao to Lead Navy After Four Months at Helm [WATCH]

President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he is nominating acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to permanently serve as secretary of the Navy, calling the retired Navy captain a “true WARRIOR” and urging the Senate to move quickly on his confirmation, as reported by Fox News.

Cao has served as acting secretary for the past four months, overseeing the Department of the Navy, which includes both the Navy and Marine Corps.

His tenure comes as the Trump administration works to expand U.S. shipbuilding and strengthen the nation’s maritime capabilities.

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“I am pleased to nominate a true WARRIOR, Hung Cao, to become the next Secretary of the Navy,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“We need Patriots like Hung leading our Navy and Marine Corps, and I can think of no one better than him to make sure our Great Navy and Marine Corps remain the FIERCEST and BEST Force the World has ever seen,” the president continued.

Trump also called on the Senate to act quickly, pointing to Cao’s experience already leading the department during his four months as acting secretary.

“The Senate needs to confirm this Warfighter, ASAP, so he can continue the fantastic work he has been doing over the past 4 months,” Trump wrote.

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Cao responded to the nomination shortly afterward, thanking Trump and outlining priorities that include shipbuilding and homeland defense.

“Thank you, Mr. President. It’s an honor of a lifetime to lead the great warriors of the Navy and Marine Corps team,” Cao wrote on X.

“I’m grateful for your leadership and support as we continue to get after shipbuilding and ensure the defense of the homeland.”

JUST NOW: President Trump has OFFICIALLY nominated HUNG CAO to be the next SECRETARY OF THE NAVY

LFG!!! Cao is a TRUE communist-hating PATRIOT

POTUS: “We need Patriots like Hung leading our Navy and Marine Corps, and I can think of no one better than him to make sure our… pic.twitter.com/FGEYckShml

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) September 1, 2026

If confirmed by the Senate, Cao would formally take responsibility for the Department of the Navy, which oversees both the Navy and Marine Corps.

Cao is a retired Navy captain who spent 25 years in uniform after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy.

His military career included special operations assignments and deployments to combat zones, including Iraq and Afghanistan.

After leaving military service, Cao entered politics. He made an unsuccessful congressional bid in 2022 before seeking a U.S. Senate seat in Virginia in 2024 against Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine.

Trump endorsed Cao during the 2024 Senate campaign and highlighted his military background. Cao ultimately lost the race to Kaine before joining the Trump administration.

Cao later took over leadership of the Navy in an acting capacity earlier this year.

He has remained in that position for approximately four months while the administration has pursued its broader defense and shipbuilding agenda.

The nomination now sends Cao’s future at the department to the Senate, where lawmakers will determine whether to confirm him to the permanent position.

Cao’s nomination comes as the Navy faces continued attention over fleet size, shipbuilding capacity and America’s ability to maintain maritime strength.

The Trump administration has made expanding domestic shipbuilding and strengthening the U.S. military central parts of its defense priorities.

During his time as acting secretary, Cao has also addressed issues involving the Navy and broader national security matters.

In May 2026, he testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee during a hearing focused on the Department of the Navy’s posture and its request for funding under the fiscal year 2027 defense authorization process.

The hearing took place at the Dirksen Senate Office Building on May 19, 2026.

Cao’s background as a longtime Navy officer and his experience in special operations have been central to his public profile since entering politics.

His nomination also marks a return to the political arena for a figure who previously sought elected office before moving into the Trump administration.

The White House and the U.S. Navy did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.

If confirmed, Cao will transition from acting secretary to formally leading the Department of the Navy and will be responsible for overseeing the service branches under the department as the administration continues its focus on shipbuilding and homeland defense.

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