From Saigon Refugee to Navy Leader: Trump's Bold Pick Shakes Up Pentagon
Paul Riverbank, 3/1/2025In a notable appointment, Trump nominates Vietnamese refugee turned Navy veteran Hung Cao as Under Secretary of the Navy. This selection, combining Cao's impressive 25-year Special Operations career with his recent political ambitions, signals Trump's continued reshaping of military leadership with experienced, politically aligned candidates.
In a significant move that blends military expertise with political symbolism, former President Donald Trump has nominated Hung Cao — a former Navy captain and recent Republican Senate candidate — to serve as Under Secretary of the Navy.
Cao's nomination reflects a remarkable American journey. A refugee who fled Vietnam just before Saigon's fall in 1975, he built an impressive 25-year career in the Navy's Special Operations. His educational background includes graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy and a master's degree in physics from the Naval Postgraduate School.
Trump praised Cao's achievements on Truth Social, calling him "the embodiment of the American Dream" and highlighting his extensive military service. "With Hung's experience both in combat and in the Pentagon, he will get the job done," Trump stated.
The nomination comes after Cao's recent political endeavors in Virginia. He ran unsuccessful but competitive campaigns for both the U.S. Senate against Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine and Virginia's 10th Congressional district against former Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton.
During his Senate campaign, Cao gained attention for his strong stance on military recruitment policies. In a notable debate moment, he criticized current Navy recruitment strategies, stating "When you're using a drag queen to recruit for the Navy, that's not the people we want." He argued instead for recruiting "alpha males and alpha females who are going to rip out their own guts, eat them, and ask for seconds."
Beyond his combat experience, Cao's qualifications include significant administrative work at the Pentagon, where he helped manage the Navy's $140 billion budget — experience that could prove valuable in his new role if confirmed.
The timing of Cao's nomination coincides with another key Navy appointment. Trump's nominee for Navy Secretary, Florida businessman John Phelan, recently testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee and is expected to receive Senate approval.
Cao's response to the nomination was brief but determined. On social media, he thanked the president and declared it was "time to get to work." This appointment represents a significant shift in his career trajectory — from political candidate to potentially becoming the second-ranking official in the U.S. Navy.
The nomination marks another step in Trump's efforts to reshape military leadership, following his appointment of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense. These changes signal a potential shift in military priorities and administration if Trump returns to office.
