Trump official stands by cannibalism claims during hearing with Congress

Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao reaffirmed controversial remarks he made during an October 2024 Senate debate when questioned by Rep. Chrissy Houlahan during a House Armed Services Committee hearing Thursday.

Houlahan cited Cao's statement, "What we need is alpha male and alpha females who are going to rip out their guts, eat them, and ask for seconds — those are young men and women that are going to win wars."

Cao responded without hesitation, "Absolutely, ma'am, I did say that, and I stand by it."

Cao made the original comments during a televised debate against Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine at Norfolk State University while criticizing military diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. A retired Navy captain with special operations experience in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Somalia, Cao was appointed Acting Secretary of the Navy in April after President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth removed his predecessor, John Phelan.

Cao lost the Virginia Senate race to Kaine by nine points.

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