Cao during his Senate run in 2024 was critical of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, referring to them as a "far-left ideological agenda."

Hung Cao, who lost to Sen. Tim Kaine in November, will serve as Under Secretary of the Navy following his appointment by President Donald Trump.

President Trump nominated former Virginia Republican Senate candidate Hung Cao – an outspoken proponent of toughening up the standards for military service – to serve as the under secretary of the Navy on Thursday.