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Trump Navy Secretary Resigns, Refugee Hung Cao Named Acting Head

4/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

John C. Phelan, a Trump donor and the first civilian without military service in over 15 years, resigned as Secretary of the Navy, naming Hung Cao acting secretary.
Hung Cao, a Vietnamese refugee and Naval Academy graduate who served in special-operations missions, was appointed by President Donald Trump as undersecretary in February 2025.
He will oversee the “Golden Fleet” initiative launched by John C. Phelan with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

History

Historical Context

In 2006, Donald Winter became the first civilian Secretary of the Navy, appointed by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, reflecting a shift towards civilian leadership in military roles. This trend, rooted in the National Security Act of 1947, aims to integrate civilian perspectives into military operations, influencing future naval initiatives like the “Golden Fleet.” Winter served until March 13, 2009.

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Story summary

John C. Phelan, a Trump donor and the first civilian without military service in over 15 years, resigned as Secretary of the Navy, naming Hung Cao acting secretary.
Hung Cao, a Vietnamese refugee and Naval Academy graduate who served in special-operations missions, was appointed by President Donald Trump as undersecretary in February 2025.
He will oversee the “Golden Fleet” initiative launched by John C. Phelan with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

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