President Trump Nominates Acting Leader Hung Cao as Official Navy Secretary

2026-09-02 politics

Washington, Wednesday, 2 September 2026.
On September 1, 2026, President Trump formally nominated acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao for permanent Senate confirmation to lead defense procurement, maritime strategy, and fleet expansion efforts.

Formal Nomination Announced

On September 1, 2026, President Donald Trump formally announced his intention to nominate Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to permanently lead the Department of the Navy [1][5]. The announcement was made via Truth Social, where the President urged the Senate to confirm the nominee ASAP to continue work started over the past four months [5][6]. This nomination marks a critical step in stabilizing the leadership of the naval branch following a period of turnover [4][7]. Cao, a retired Navy Captain, has been serving in the acting capacity since the dismissal of his predecessor [4][7].

Leadership Turnover and Context

The nomination follows the resignation of Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, which was accepted by President Trump on Monday, September 1, 2026 [1][2]. This leadership change occurs shortly after former Navy Secretary John C. Phelan was ousted approximately four months prior to this announcement [1][3]. The rapid succession of secretaries highlights a period of significant administrative adjustment within the defense department [3][8]. Contextual reports indicate these changes occur amidst heightened geopolitical tensions, including maritime enforcement actions in the Strait of Hormuz [8].

Professional Background and Industry Stance

Hung Cao is a veteran who previously ran for the U.S. Senate in Virginia, bringing political and military experience to the role [7][8]. During the Potomac Officers Club’s 2026 Navy Summit, Cao emphasized a performance-based approach to defense contracting, stating that any entity that can compete and scale has a place at the table [10]. This message signals a focus on industrial readiness and the expansion of the ‘Golden Fleet’ [10]. His background suggests a priority on fleet expansion and procurement strategies during his tenure [7][10].

Confirmation Process and Future Steps

The appointment is not immediate; it requires confirmation by the United States Senate to become permanent [7][9]. Until confirmation, Cao continues to serve in his acting capacity, a role he has held since the departure of Secretary Phelan [4][6]. The Senate Armed Services Committee will likely review his nomination as part of the Defense Authorization Request process [7]. Stakeholders await the Senate’s decision to finalize the leadership structure for the coming fiscal year [5][9].

Sources

Navy Secretary Hung Cao