Trump appoints Hung Cao, Paul Dabbar to positions within administration

President Donald Trump made two significant announcements late Thursday regarding new appointments within his administration. He revealed that Hung Cao, a former Virginia congressional candidate, will be serving as the under secretary of the Navy, while Paul Dabbar, a former under secretary of energy for science, will take on the role of deputy secretary of commerce.

Both Cao and Dabbar are Navy veterans and graduates of the United States Naval Academy, marking their appointments as fitting choices for these positions. Trump took to Truth Social to congratulate both men on their new roles and highlight their qualifications.

Hung Cao, who fled Vietnam with his family in 1975 before the fall of Saigon, recently ran for U.S. Senate in Virginia but was unsuccessful in defeating Democrat Sen. Tim Kaine. Despite this, he earned Trump’s endorsement during his campaign. Cao retired from the Navy as a captain after serving for 25 years in Special Operations. His experience includes combat roles as well as budget management at the Pentagon, where he was tasked with overseeing the Navy’s $140 billion budget.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Cao as a true embodiment of the American Dream, commending his dedication to serving the country and his impressive academic and military background. Cao expressed gratitude for the opportunity and expressed eagerness to begin his new role.

Paul Dabbar, who previously worked in the Department of Energy during Trump’s first term, brings a wealth of experience to his new position as deputy secretary of commerce. A former submarine officer in the Navy, Dabbar later transitioned to the energy sector, serving as a managing director at J.P. Morgan. Trump emphasized Dabbar’s contributions to advancing technology and energy dominance during his time as Under Secretary of Energy for Science.

Trump mentioned that Dabbar will collaborate with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to restore American leadership in global commerce, trade, and technology. The president highlighted Dabbar’s role in driving advancements in semiconductors, AI, quantum technology, and energy dominance.

As Trump continues to finalize his Cabinet appointments, these two selections represent the ongoing efforts to fill key positions within his administration. With the majority of his nominations confirmed by the Senate, Trump is nearing completion in shaping his team to address the various challenges facing the country.