Introduction

President Donald Trump has nominated retired Navy Captain Hung Cao, a decorated special operations veteran and former Virginia Senate candidate, to serve as Under Secretary of the Navy. If confirmed by the Senate, Cao will become the second-highest-ranking civilian leader in the Department of the Navy, overseeing critical policy, budget, and operational decisions.

This nomination comes at a pivotal moment for the U.S. Navy, which faces mounting challenges—from shipbuilding delays and budget overruns to rising threats from China and Russia. Cao’s military experience, hardline policy stances, and immigrant background make him a controversial yet strategically significant pick.

This in-depth analysis covers:

Hung Cao’s Military Career and Leadership Background
His Political Campaigns and Policy Positions
The Implications of His Nomination for the U.S. Navy
Potential Confirmation Challenges in the Senate

1. Hung Cao’s Military Career and Leadership Background

Early Life and Immigration Story

Hung Cao’s journey to the U.S. began in 1975, when he fled Vietnam as a child refugee following the fall of Saigon. His family resettled in America, where he later attended the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating with a commission in the Navy.

Special Operations and Combat Deployments

Cao served 25 years in the Navy, primarily in special operations. His deployments included:

Iraq (counterinsurgency and special warfare operations)
Afghanistan (counterterrorism missions)
Somalia (counter-piracy and security operations)

His expertise in irregular warfare and joint special operations earned him multiple commendations, including the Bronze Star and Defense Meritorious Service Medal.

Pentagon and Interagency Experience

Beyond combat roles, Cao held key positions in:

The Pentagon, where he worked on Navy budget and acquisition programs.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), collaborating on maritime security.
The FBI, supporting counterterrorism efforts.

He also holds a master’s degree in physics from the Naval Postgraduate School, giving him a technical edge in defense modernization discussions.

2. Political Campaigns and Policy Positions

2022 Congressional Run (VA-10)

Cao first entered politics in 2022, running as a Republican in Virginia’s 10th Congressional District. Despite a strong grassroots campaign, he lost to Democratic Rep. Jennifer Wexton.

2024 Senate Race Against Tim Kaine

In 2024, Cao challenged Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), focusing on:

Military Readiness: Criticizing Pentagon diversity initiatives, arguing they weaken combat effectiveness.
Border Security: Calling for stricter immigration enforcement, citing national security risks.
China Threat: Advocating for a stronger Navy to counter Beijing’s expansion in the Indo-Pacific.

Though he lost, his campaign amplified his reputation as a hardline conservative with a focus on defense policy.

Key Controversial Statements

Cao has made headlines for provocative remarks, including:

Opposing DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) in the Military:
- Called for recruiting “alpha males and alpha females” who would “rip out their own guts, eat them, and ask for seconds.”
- Criticized a Navy recruiting campaign featuring a drag queen, which was later canceled.
Border Security:
- Warned of “13,000 convicted murderers and 16,000 rapists” crossing the southern border.
- Suggested military involvement in border enforcement.

These positions align with Trump’s America First agenda but may complicate his Senate confirmation.

3. Implications for the U.S. Navy

If confirmed, Cao will play a crucial role in shaping:

A. Shipbuilding and Fleet Expansion

The Navy struggles with:

Delays in next-gen submarines (Columbia-class) and destroyers (DDG(X)).
Cost overruns in the Ford-class aircraft carriers.
A shrinking fleet (currently ~290 ships) compared to China’s 370+ vessels.

Cao’s budget experience could help streamline acquisitions, but his lack of private-sector shipbuilding expertise raises questions.

B. Military Recruitment Crisis

The Navy (and all branches) faces a recruitment shortfall, with young Americans increasingly disinterested in service. Cao’s anti-DEI stance may appeal to conservatives but could alienate moderates and younger recruits.

C. Great Power Competition

With China expanding its navy and threatening Taiwan, Cao’s special ops background may shift focus toward:

Asymmetric warfare tactics (e.g., unmanned systems, cyber ops).
Strengthening Pacific alliances (Japan, Australia, Philippines).

4. Confirmation Challenges in the Senate

Democratic Opposition

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), whom Cao ran against, sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and may scrutinize his record.
Democrats will likely grill him on:
- DEI opposition (seen as discriminatory by critics).
- Extreme rhetoric (“eating guts” comments).
- Lack of private-sector defense experience.

Republican Support

Trump’s endorsement ensures strong GOP backing.
Cao’s military record appeals to defense hawks like Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR).

Likely Outcome

Given the narrow Democratic Senate majority, Cao’s confirmation is probable but contentious. A party-line vote is expected.

Conclusion

Hung Cao’s nomination reflects Trump’s focus on military hardliners and America First policies. His combat experience is an asset, but his divisive rhetoric guarantees a tough confirmation fight.

If confirmed, he will immediately face Navy readiness challenges, shipbuilding woes, and great-power competition with China. Whether his leadership strengthens the Navy or deepens political divides remains to be seen.

FAQs

1. Who is Hung Cao?

Hung Cao is a retired Navy Captain with 25 years of special operations experience, including deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia. A Vietnamese refugee arrived in the United States in 1975, he later graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and earned a master’s in physics.

2. What is the Under Secretary of the Navy’s role?

The Under Secretary of the Navy is the second-highest civilian position in the Department of the Navy. The role oversees:

Budget and shipbuilding programs
Military readiness and personnel policies
Naval research and technology development

3. Why was Hung Cao nominated?

President Trump selected Cao due to his:

Combat experience in special operations
Pentagon budget expertise
Alignment with Trump’s “America First” defense policies

4. How does his nomination impact the Navy?

If confirmed, Cao could:

Accelerate shipbuilding to counter China’s fleet expansion.
Shift military recruitment strategies, possibly away from DEI initiatives.
Strengthen asymmetric warfare tactics (drones, cyber ops).

5. Will he be confirmed by the Senate?

Democrats (especially Sen. Tim Kaine) may oppose him over his DEI stance and rhetoric.
Republicans likely support him due to his military record and Trump’s endorsement.
Prediction: Confirmation is likely but contentious, possibly along party lines.

6. What challenges will he face if confirmed?