Trump Nominates Hung Cao, Navy Veteran, as Undersecretary of the Navy
Former President Donald Trump has announced his intention to nominate Hung Cao, a retired Navy captain with a distinguished career in special operations and explosive ordnance disposal, for the position of Undersecretary of the Navy. This nomination, however, comes amidst scrutiny regarding Cao’s past claims about his combat experience and his outspoken criticism of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Cao’s background is a compelling narrative of the American dream. A refugee from Vietnam, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and dedicated 25 years of service to the Navy, serving in war zones and at the Pentagon. His military specialty was in special operations, specifically as an explosive ordnance disposal and dive officer, a role that inherently involves high-risk situations and technical expertise.
Trump lauded Cao as "the embodiment of the American dream" in a post on Truth Social, highlighting his combat experience and Pentagon tenure as qualifications for the role. The former president also emphasized Cao’s ability to "get the job done," signaling an expectation for him to implement Trump’s policies within the Navy.
Cao responded to the nomination via X, expressing his gratitude to Trump and stating his readiness to begin working.
However, Cao’s nomination is not without its controversies. During his unsuccessful bids for U.S. House and Senate seats in Virginia, he vocally opposed DEI initiatives, characterizing them as a "far-left ideological agenda." This stance aligns with Trump’s broader directive to dismantle DEI programs within the Pentagon and other government agencies, reflecting a broader culture war against what conservatives often term "woke social policies."
The scrutiny surrounding Cao extends beyond his political views. A USA Today investigation raised questions about his claims of being "blown up" in combat. While Cao mentioned these incidents during campaign appearances, his Navy service record does not reflect the awarding of a Purple Heart or the Navy’s Combat Action Ribbon, standard commendations for those wounded or actively engaged in combat under enemy fire.
The Purple Heart is awarded to service members who sustain wounds resulting from direct or indirect enemy action. The Combat Action Ribbon is given to sailors who demonstrate satisfactory performance under enemy fire while participating in ground or surface combat engagements. The absence of these awards in Cao’s record, despite his claims of being "blown up," prompted concern and inquiry.
Cao clarified that he never explicitly claimed these specific awards. Nonetheless, his repeated references to being "blown up" in combat without the corresponding recognition led to scrutiny. Four retired Navy and Army officers who reviewed Cao’s service record stated to USA Today that it would be unusual for a sailor severely wounded in combat in Iraq or Afghanistan not to have received a Purple Heart or the Navy’s Combat Action Ribbon.
Cao’s record does indicate significant achievements and deployments, including the Bronze Star and service in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Bronze Star is awarded for heroic or meritorious achievement or service in a combat zone. His service record undeniably demonstrates his commitment to the Navy and his willingness to serve in dangerous environments.
In response to USA Today’s inquiry, Cao criticized the publication on Facebook for questioning his service record. While he listed the questions posed by reporters, he did not directly answer them, further fueling the controversy.
The position of Undersecretary of the Navy is the second-highest civilian post within the Department of the Navy. The Undersecretary assists the Secretary of the Navy in overseeing all affairs of the Department, including policy development, budget execution, and acquisition programs. Given the importance of the role, the nomination requires Senate confirmation, meaning Cao will face questioning from senators regarding his qualifications, past statements, and any potential conflicts of interest.
The Senate confirmation process will likely be contentious, with Democrats potentially raising concerns about Cao’s stance on DEI initiatives and the discrepancies regarding his combat experience. Republicans, on the other hand, are likely to support Cao, emphasizing his military service, leadership abilities, and alignment with Trump’s policies.
The confirmation hearings will provide an opportunity for senators to delve into Cao’s views on key issues facing the Navy, such as modernization efforts, readiness levels, and personnel policies. It will also allow for a thorough examination of his service record and a chance for him to address the questions raised by the USA Today investigation.
Ultimately, the Senate’s decision on Cao’s nomination will have significant implications for the direction of the Navy under the Trump administration. His confirmation would signal a continued focus on dismantling DEI programs and a prioritization of traditional military values. A rejection of his nomination would send a message that the Senate is unwilling to overlook concerns about transparency and potentially exaggerated claims about military service.
