On September 1, 2026, President Donald Trump announced the nomination of Hung Cao, the acting Navy Secretary, for the permanent position. This decision comes amid concerns regarding the workload of sailors during the ongoing conflict with Iran. Cao has been serving in the acting role since the departure of John Phelan in late April, which occurred unexpectedly and without explanation.
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Trump nominates Hung Cao as permanent Navy Secretary
President Donald Trump has nominated Hung Cao, the acting Navy Secretary, for the permanent position. This nomination follows concerns about the workload of sailors during the ongoing conflict with Iran. Cao has held the acting role since April 2026.
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Trump nominates loyalist Hung Cao to be permanent navy secretary
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Trump nominates Hung Cao as permanent Navy Secretary