Trump nominated Hung Cao as Secretary of the Navy and calls for a swift confirmation

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday the nomination of Hung Cao to permanently assume the role of Secretary of the Navy of the United States, after the former special operations officer has held the position on an interim basis for the past four months. Trump praised Cao as a ''true warrior'' and urged the Senate to move quickly with his confirmation.

Cao took on the interim leadership of the Department of the Navy at a time when the Trump administration seeks to expand U.S. shipbuilding capacity and strengthen the country's maritime military capabilities. The Department of the Navy oversees both the Navy and the Marine Corps, so a potential confirmation would make Cao the formal head of both branches.

''I am pleased to nominate a true WARRIOR, Hung Cao, to become the next Secretary of the Navy,'' Trump wrote on Truth Social. The president highlighted the military experience of the official and stated that the United States needs patriots at the helm of its armed forces to keep the Navy and the Marine Corps as the strongest forces in the world.

Trump also urged the Senate to act swiftly, arguing that Cao has already demonstrated during his four months as interim secretary that he is prepared to continue leading the department.

Cao publicly thanked for the nomination and assured that he will prioritize shipbuilding and the defense of U.S. territory. In a message posted on X, he called it an honor to lead the members of the Navy and the Marine Corps and emphasized Trump's support.

The nomination comes as the Republican administration pushes for a expansion of the U.S. fleet and seeks to reduce obstacles to increase ship production. Strengthening the shipbuilding industry is considered by the government a key piece to improve the United States' ability to respond to potential threats and protect its strategic interests.

Who is Hung Cao

Hung Cao is a retired Navy captain who spent 25 years in the armed forces after graduating from the United States Naval Academy. During his military career, he served in special operations and participated in deployments in combat zones, including Iraq and Afghanistan.

His experience in special operations and war scenarios later became one of the main elements of his political profile. After retiring from the Navy, Cao entered Republican politics and began competing for elected positions in Virginia.

In 2022, he ran a campaign to reach Congress but did not achieve that goal. Two years later, he ran as a Republican candidate to contest the Senate seat held by Democrat Tim Kaine. Trump endorsed Cao during that campaign and particularly highlighted his military background.

Cao ultimately lost the 2024 election to Kaine, but shortly thereafter became part of the Trump administration. Earlier this year, he assumed the role of interim Secretary of the Navy, leading both the Navy and the Marine Corps.

A key confirmation for Trump

Cao's confirmation will now depend on the Senate. If lawmakers approve his candidacy, he will officially take charge of the Department of the Navy and will be able to continue the policies he began implementing during his interim period.

For Trump, his nomination also represents the opportunity to place a highly experienced official at the helm of a strategic military institution with a vision aligned with the priorities of his administration.

If the Senate acts with the speed requested by Trump, Cao could move from temporarily leading the department to formally assuming one of the most important positions within the U.S. military structure.