Trump taps refugee-turned-combat veteran for Navy’s second-highest role

Long-time U.S. Navy Veteran and former Republican congressional candidate Hung Cao was nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the Undersecretary of the Navy, Trump announced on Truth Social late Thursday.

Cao, who served in the Navy for 25 years after he fled communist Vietnam in 1975 just before the Fall of Saigon, would be the second-highest civilian official in the Navy if confirmed by the U.S. Senate. He also served in various government roles throughout his career, including stints at the Pentagon, Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Cao will report to the Secretary of the Navy-designate John Phelan, who is awaiting Senate confirmation.

“I am pleased to announce that Hung Cao will be our next United States Under Secretary of the Navy,” Trump said on Truth Social. “Hung is the embodiment of the American Dream. As a refugee to our Great Nation, Hung worked tirelessly to make proud the Country that gave his family a home. He went to our amazing United States Naval Academy, and later earned his Master’s Degree in Physics. Hung served in combat as a Special Operations Officer for twenty five years. With Hung’s experience both in combat, and in the Pentagon, he will get the job done. Congratulations to Hung, and his wonderful family!”

Thank you, Mr. President. It’s time to get to work. pic.twitter.com/6DfHr91aTK

— Hung Cao (@HungCao_VA) February 28, 2025

Cao deployed to combat zones in Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia during his service time, earning the rank of Captain before he retired.

After his service time, Cao mounted a failed congressional challenge in 2022 against Democratic Virginia Rep. Jennifer Wexton’s seat in the state’s 10th congressional district. He then attempted, unsuccessfully, to unseat Democratic Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine from his Senate position in 2024.

Cao is an ardent critic of diversity, equity and inclusion in the military as well as other left-wing initiatives such as gender ideology.

“What we need is alpha males and alpha females who are going to rip out their own guts, eat them and ask for seconds. Those are young men and women that are gonna win wars,” Cao said in October, likely in response to the Navy’s use of an active duty drag queen influencer to boost recruitment.

The Navy did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.

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