President Donald Trump has announced the appointment of two accomplished veterans to vital positions within his administration, pledging to strengthen the nation's military and economic fronts.
In a significant move, Trump named Hung Cao as undersecretary of the Navy and Paul Dabbar as deputy secretary of Commerce, as Fox News reports.
Both appointees are distinguished for their military service and prior government roles, bringing with them a wealth of experience that Trump believes will contribute significantly to their respective fields.
Cao's career is a testament to resilience and dedication. Originally from Vietnam, he arrived in the U.S. as a refugee in 1975. Over the years, Cao has built an impressive career, culminating in his retirement rank of captain after a 25-year stint in Special Operations. During his tenure, he also contributed significantly to budgeting and strategic planning efforts at the Pentagon, managing a $140 billion Navy budget.
His educational achievements include graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy and earning a master’s degree in physics. Trump praised Cao as an embodiment of the American Dream, noting his journey as a refugee and his commitment to serving the country.
Trump commended Cao's work ethic and dedication, highlighting his service in combat and strategic roles. "Hung is the embodiment of the American Dream," Trump stated, acknowledging Cao’s remarkable journey and service history. He expressed confidence that Cao would excel in his new role and extended congratulations to Cao and his family.
Cao’s response was succinct yet determined. In accepting his appointment, he stated, "Let's get to work," signaling readiness to tackle the responsibilities ahead.
In addition to Cao's appointment, Paul Dabbar has been appointed as the deputy secretary of commerce. Dabbar, a former Navy submarine officer, has diverse experience in both government and the private sector. Previously, he served as the under secretary of energy for science, a role he fulfilled during Trump’s first term, where he oversaw the National Labs.
Before his role in the government, Dabbar had an extensive career in the energy sector, working as a managing director at J.P. Morgan. Trump emphasized Dabbar's collaborative prospects with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, particularly in enhancing America's stance in global commerce, trade, and technological domains.
The appointments reflect an emphasis on leveraging experience to advance U.S. interests in trade and defense. Trump highlighted Dabbar's previous contributions during his role in energy science, including leadership in semiconductor, AI, and quantum advances. "Paul served as my Under Secretary of Energy for Science," Trump said, recognizing Dabbar’s work in maintaining and advancing the nation’s technological capabilities.
These announcements are part of a broader wave of nominations during Trump’s current term. To date, he has made 22 nominations that require approval from the Senate. Out of these, 19 have secured confirmation, which underscores a concerted effort to fill key positions with individuals equipped for the challenges of their roles.
Cao and Dabbar are expected to contribute significantly to improving U.S. military strategy and economic competitiveness. Their military backgrounds and prior government experience position them well to address strategic national interests.
By entrusting these roles to seasoned veterans, Trump seeks to reinforce efforts in critical areas impacting national security and economic prosperity. Their appointments are seen as pivotal in aligning resources and strategies with national priorities. As the administration continues to shape its approach to complex global challenges, the experience and accomplishments brought by Cao and Dabbar are anticipated to be invaluable assets in executing their roles effectively.
