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Trump's new Navy secretary has thoughts on 'witchcraft' — and that's just for starters

Apr 23, 2026Left

In the wake of the sudden departure of Navy Secretary John Phelan, acting secretary Hung Cao steps into his place. Originally appointed to the role of undersecretary by President Donald Trump, Cao is known for his commitment to the administration’s anti-“woke” ethos, as well as a smattering of eyebrow-raising statements he’s made in the past.Upon assuming…

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Donald Trump’s pick to be secretary of the Navy has said some crazy things.The Pentagon confirmed that failed congressional candidate and current undersecretary of the Navy Hung Cao would be replacing John Phelan, who was abruptly fired on Wednesday. It’s an appalling move, given that Cao once made a poor joke about the KKK in an interview with Steve…

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Vietnam-born Cao stood twice for federal office in Virginia and has called for upgrading of fleet to face new threatsSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxThe acting navy secretary, Hung Cao, who steps into the role after the sudden departure of John Phelan, is a veteran naval officer and former refugee who earned a…

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