President Trump delivered a powerful message Tuesday evening, announcing his nomination of Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to permanently lead the U.S. Navy. Calling the decorated combat veteran a "true WARRIOR," the President underscored the urgent need for Senate confirmation, stating "ASAP." This decisive move signals President Trump’s unwavering commitment to placing proven patriots at the helm of America’s vital military branches.

The President’s unequivocal endorsement came via a Truth Social post, highlighting Cao's unmatched qualifications and the vision for a revitalized American naval force:

I am pleased to nominate a true WARRIOR, Hung Cao, to become the next Secretary of the Navy. 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 Senate needs to confirm this Warfighter, ASAP, so he can continue the fantastic work he has been doing over the past 4 months. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP

Cao, a figure of immense capability and a testament to the American dream, has already been guiding the Navy as acting secretary since April 22, following the departure of former Secretary John Phelan. His ascent began as Under Secretary of the Navy, a position confirmed by the Senate in a 52-45 vote back in October 2025 – a clear recognition of his undeniable qualifications even before this permanent nomination.

Hung Cao's life story is nothing short of inspirational. As a Vietnamese refugee who fled his homeland after the fall of Saigon, he dedicated over 30 years to the Navy, distinguishing himself as a Navy diver and an explosive ordnance disposal officer. His extensive combat experience includes multiple deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia. He retired in 2021 as a captain before briefly entering the political arena.

While many may remember Cao from his spirited campaigns in Virginia, where he challenged Democrat Rep. Jennifer Wexton and later Sen. Tim Kaine, it was President Trump who recognized his profound value beyond partisan politics, bringing him into his second administration to serve the nation at the highest levels of military leadership.

Since assuming the role of acting secretary in April, Cao has been instrumental in advancing President Trump’s America First agenda for military strength and preparedness. He has championed the administration’s "Golden Fleet" shipbuilding initiative, a critical effort to rebuild and modernize our naval power, and has steadfastly prioritized the restoration of a robust warfighting culture throughout the Navy and Marine Corps. This renewed focus ensures our forces are ready to confront any global challenge, free from the distractions of divisive ideologies that have plagued other institutions.

This pivotal nomination reaffirms President Trump’s dedication to a military defined by unyielding strength, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to national security. With Hung Cao, a genuine warrior and patriot, at the helm, America’s Navy and Marine Corps are set to reclaim their undisputed position as the fiercest and best in the world, ensuring the protection of American interests and values across the globe and sending a clear message to adversaries: America is back, and stronger than ever.