Trump Orders Pentagon to Scrap Modern Jet Launching Tech on New US Aircraft Carrier and Revert to Steam Catapults

The latest move by President Donald Trump to install steam catapults on a new US aircraft carrier has sparked bewilderment and alarm among naval experts, policymakers, and the general public. This decision appears to be a nostalgic throwback to an earlier era of shipbuilding, but it reveals a more complex – and concerning – dynamic at play.

At its core, Trump’s order to scrap modern jet launching technology in favor of steam catapults reflects his administration’s penchant for prioritizing ideological fervor over scientific evidence and practical considerations. The supposed superiority of steam catapults has been an obsession of the president’s since 2017, when he claims to have been convinced by a single conversation with a Navy officer that the electromagnetic system installed in modern aircraft carriers was too complex.

The USS Doris Miller, a Ford-class aircraft carrier already two years behind schedule, will now require significant retrofits to accommodate steam catapults. This raises serious questions about the long-term implications for US naval capabilities in an era where advanced technologies are rapidly changing the nature of warfare. Hypersonic missiles and artificial intelligence-powered surveillance systems are just a few examples of the cutting-edge technologies that are being developed to give the US military an edge.

Trump’s decision is not just a matter of technical preference; it’s also deeply politicized. By insisting on using outdated technology, he’s sending a message that his administration prioritizes symbolic gestures over pragmatic solutions. This approach has far-reaching consequences for the shipbuilding industry and the morale of sailors serving on these vessels.

This is not an isolated incident. Trump’s administration has consistently disregarded expertise and evidence-based decision-making in favor of ideological purity and practical outcomes. Examples include withdrawing from international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord and imposing tariffs that have hurt American businesses.

As the US Navy grapples with the consequences of Trump’s order, it’s essential to examine the broader context of his administration’s actions. The push for steam catapults on new aircraft carriers is a symptom of a larger problem: an obsession with nostalgic and ideologically-driven decision-making that puts America’s national security at risk.

The full implications of Trump’s order will play out in various ways over the coming weeks and months. Will the shipbuilding industry be able to adapt to these changes without significant delays or cost overruns? How will this affect the morale and training of sailors serving on these vessels? And what does this say about the long-term prospects for US naval power?

One thing is certain: Trump’s decision to install steam catapults on new aircraft carriers is a step backward, both technologically and strategically. As we navigate an increasingly complex and rapidly changing global security landscape, it’s imperative that policymakers prioritize evidence-based decision-making over ideological posturing.

The consequences of this move will be far-reaching, but one thing is already clear: Trump’s retrograde vision for US aircraft carriers is a disservice to the brave men and women serving in our military.