Trump Appoints Hung Cao as Under Secretary of the Navy

Image credits: J. Scott Applewhite/AP

President Donald Trump has appointed Hung Cao, a former Virginia Senate candidate and special operations veteran, to serve as Under Secretary of the Navy. This move makes Cao the second-ranking civilian leader for the service. The appointment came just hours after the Senate Armed Services Committee held a confirmation hearing for businessman John Phelan, Trump's pick to serve as Navy Secretary. Phelan is expected to be approved for the post by the full chamber in the next few weeks. Unlike Phelan, who has no previous military experience, Cao is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and deployed with special operations forces to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia during his 25-year military career.

Cao's experience is not limited to combat; he also worked on the Navy budget process during an assignment to the Pentagon and received a master's degree in physics from the Naval Postgraduate School. In a statement on social media, Trump called Cao "the embodiment of the American Dream." Cao is an immigrant who moved to America as a Vietnamese refugee in 1975 and spent time in West Africa during his childhood. Trump praised Cao's dedication to the country, stating that he "worked tirelessly to make proud the country that gave his family a home." With Cao's experience in both combat and the Pentagon, Trump believes he will "get the job done" as Under Secretary of the Navy.

Cao's appointment has been met with interest, given his background and previous political endeavors. He unsuccessfully bid to replace Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., in the 2024 Senate contest, during which he spoke about the impact of diversity and inclusion efforts on the military. In response to the presidential appointment, Cao released a short statement on social media thanking Trump and stating "It's time to get to work." The Senate has confirmed only one of Trump's senior service leaders so far, Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, who was approved by the chamber on Tuesday. No timetable has been set for a vote on Phelan, Trump's pick for Navy Secretary.

The appointment of Cao and other officials reflects Trump's ongoing efforts to fill positions within his administration. Trump also appointed Paul Dabbar, a former under secretary of energy for science, to serve as deputy secretary of commerce. Dabbar, a Navy veteran and graduate of the United States Naval Academy, will work with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to "bring back American Leadership in Global Commerce, Trade, and Technology." Trump's picks for these roles highlight the importance of experience in both the military and government sectors. As the administration continues to take shape, these appointments will play a crucial role in shaping policy and leadership within the Navy and beyond.

Here are some key points about the appointments and the current state of Trump's administration: * List of Trump's appointments: Hung Cao as Under Secretary of the Navy, Paul Dabbar as deputy secretary of commerce * Stakeholder views: Trump praises Cao's experience and dedication, Cao thanks Trump and expresses readiness to work * Policy points: Focus on American leadership in global commerce, trade, and technology, emphasis on military experience and government service * Statistical data: 19 of 22 nominations requiring Senate confirmation have been confirmed as of Thursday * Timeline of events: Cao's appointment, Phelan's confirmation hearing, Dabbar's appointment, and the ongoing process of filling administration positions.