Hung Cao, the former refugee who is Trump’s new acting navy secretary

The Guardian US News
by George Chidi
April 23, 2026
6 views
2 min read

Quick Insights

The Bottom Line

Hung Cao, a former refugee, is President Trump's new acting navy secretary.

AI Summary

Hung Cao, a Vietnam-born former refugee and veteran naval officer, has been named the Trump administration's new acting navy secretary following the sudden departure of John Phelan. Cao previously ran for federal office twice in Virginia and earned his position with the administration through campaigns marked by religious intolerance. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth initially tasked Cao with modernizing base infrastructure, improving quality-of-life for sailors and marines, and raising recruiting standards. Cao has also advocated for upgrading the fleet to address new threats.

Source Coverage Map

15 of 43 tracked sources covered this story

35% coverage
Did Not Cover (28)
ICIJ97AP World News96AP News96AP US News96ProPublica95+23 more

Following this story?

Get notified when new coverage appears

Should this be getting more attention?

You Might Have Missed

Related stories from different sources and perspectives

US Justice Department adds former Trump lawyer to probe of former CIA director, CNN reports - Reuters
Politics

US Justice Department adds former Trump lawyer to probe of former CIA director, CNN reports - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMizAFBVV95cUxOS0lJQmdXVG1hU2cxdVB6eElqYUpVcXR5WURXdE13V1hON1ZOSkxaTmJVc1ZER0QtNkhCM1lrelJMZWEyd3VaVUxuV3hVZUFvYlBRRVdnUGpJWFNFYmJLVmNmak5Oem1iQVVVTnNnYUYwbDlQcTNFUHU1cmtaTlBfbEo4VlpyLXhqOTNTbXI2N04yanFPdGhwd3hraHVtMTFuSkNFVUVhcmhsVjhwMFZWTjR4LWVCRFpnTm50bkcxSlZteVhNOTVObXVkTms?oc=5" target="_blank">US Justice Department adds former Trump lawyer to probe of former CIA director, CNN reports</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

ReutersApr 18
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer is leaving Trump's Cabinet after abuse of power allegations - AP News
Politics

Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer is leaving Trump's Cabinet after abuse of power allegations - AP News

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMiowFBVV95cUxOTjZ5UWNHQXJvQ2hpLTUwYXNVNGJYNlhNRko3d0I3UGZFS2lSR2Q3OGY2V3VjNXVGMHFtaG1YdjZZcjBGMHk3WWJyUVZRZlhuMUM2eHQxLTF2U0QtOEtQMG5SU1BoZmdqdTd4cFNTTXB1SUVoRnA5RkFfT1BDWDdDQ2QzRWRIS0hRX0pISWREMzVIbE41WldHTFZORHY4dFQta2dj?oc=5" target="_blank">Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer is leaving Trump's Cabinet after abuse of power allegations</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

AP NewsApr 20
‘Hungry all the time’: US Navy deny food shortages after grim photos emerge
National Security

‘Hungry all the time’: US Navy deny food shortages after grim photos emerge

The US Navy has fiercely denied claims that its warships in the Middle East are running low on food and leaving its sailors “hungry all the time,” as Washington’s blockade in the Strait of Hormuz continues. Photos showing dismal, mostly-empty trays of food circulated online, with the claims that shortages are rife after a month and a half of war.

AFP / France 24Apr 22
Navy planning to spend more than $17B on first Trump-class battleship
National Security

Navy planning to spend more than $17B on first Trump-class battleship

The Navy revealed new details Tuesday about its procurement plans for a new Guided Missile Battleship (BBG(X)) program. The post Navy planning to spend more than $17B on first Trump-class battleship appeared first on DefenseScoop .

Defense ScoopApr 21
Former Trump economic adviser knocks possible Spirit Airlines bailout as "corporate welfare"
Corporate

Former Trump economic adviser knocks possible Spirit Airlines bailout as "corporate welfare"

Sources tell CBS News the Trump administration is discussing a bailout for Spirit Airlines that could include a loan of up to $500 million. Former Trump economic adviser Stephen Moore joins "The Takeout" with his perspective.

CBS NewsApr 23
Acting Navy secretary, once a political lightning rod, finds surprising support - Politico
National Security

Acting Navy secretary, once a political lightning rod, finds surprising support - Politico

PoliticoApr 23
Read Next
Trump reclassifies state-licensed medical marijuana as less-dangerous drug
Politics

Trump reclassifies state-licensed medical marijuana as less-dangerous drug

The order signed by Todd Blanche does not legalize marijuana for medical or recreational use under federal law. But it does change the way it's regulated.

Continue reading

Did this story change how you see things?

Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.

Share this story

Get the daily digest

Save for later

The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.

See our sources