Retired Navy Captain Hung Cao, a former Republican Senate candidate, has been appointed as the acting Secretary of the Navy following the removal of John Phelan by President Donald Trump. This transition places Cao in a key role as the Navy focuses on critical shipbuilding priorities and operational readiness.
Background and Previous Role
Previously serving as the Undersecretary of the Navy, Cao's portfolio was expected to be broad, covering personnel issues and safeguarding the Navy's operational ethos. However, sources indicated that his influence was previously limited, with reports suggesting he was often kept separate from key decision-making processes by Secretary Phelan.
The Transition to Acting Secretary
Cao's appointment came abruptly after President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed John Phelan from the role. According to sources, Cao was informed of his new role directly from the Pentagon front office. In his new capacity, he is expected to quickly gain oversight of areas where he was previously restricted.
Key Policy Focus Areas
As acting secretary, Cao has publicly stated his immediate priorities:
- Shipbuilding: Focusing on advancing the Navy’s shipbuilding priorities, an issue that reportedly contributed to Phelan’s departure.
- Mission Commitment: Reaffirming his commitment to the Department of the Navy's core mission as a premier warfighting organization.
Political Stance and Public Statements
Cao is known for his outspoken views on social and cultural issues, aligning with conservative critiques of modern social policies. His public statements include:
- DEI Criticism: He has frequently criticized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, linking them to perceived issues within military recruitment.
- Recruitment Rhetoric: During a 2024 debate, Cao stated that the Navy requires "alpha males and alpha females," emphasizing a traditional view of military strength.
Career Highlights and Service Record
Cao has a distinguished military and political background:
- Military Service: He is a decorated special operations officer who enlisted in the Navy in 1989 and graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1996. His career included deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia, and roles as a diver and explosive ordnance disposal officer.
- Political Involvement: After retiring in 2021, he ran for Congress in 2022 and challenged Democratic Senator Tim Kaine in 2024. He was confirmed as Navy Undersecretary on October 1.
- Leadership Actions: As Undersecretary, he headed recruitment and personnel policy and issued a letter apologizing to service members discharged over the COVID-19 vaccine mandate in 2021.
Context of the Change
Secretary Phelan was reportedly removed amid escalating tensions with Hegseth, who allegedly believed Phelan was moving too slowly on necessary shipbuilding reforms and was concerned about Phelan communicating directly with the President, bypassing Hegseth.
