Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao Defends Cannibalism Metaphor at Congressional Hearing
Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao faced scrutiny during a House Armed Services Committee hearing when Representative Chrissy Houlahan questioned him about controversial remarks made during an October 2024 Senate debate. Houlahan cited Cao's previous statement advocating for alpha males and females who would rip out guts, eat them, and ask for seconds as the type of personnel needed to win wars. Cao unequivocally reaffirmed his stance, stating he stood by the comments. The original remarks were delivered during a televised debate against Senator Tim Kaine at Norfolk State University, where Cao was criticizing military diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. A retired Navy captain with special operations experience, Cao was appointed to his current role in April by President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth following the removal of his predecessor. The incident highlights ongoing tensions regarding military culture and leadership rhetoric within the Trump administration's defense appointments.
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