In a controversial move, former President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to redesign the Navy’s latest aircraft carrier, the USS Doris Miller, to replace its advanced electromagnetic launch system with traditional steam catapults. This directive, issued through a national security memorandum on August 13, 2026, marks the culmination of Trump’s long-standing criticisms of modern naval technology, which he has deemed overly complex since first voicing his concerns in 2017.
A Familiar Argument
For nearly a decade, Trump has expressed his dissatisfaction with the Navy’s shift to electromagnetic systems, often recounting anecdotes from conversations with naval officers to bolster his case. In his latest memorandum, he instructed Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to devise a plan for integrating steam-powered launch mechanisms into the construction of the USS Doris Miller, a Ford-class carrier that is already two years overdue.
Trump’s fixation on steam catapults has been a recurring theme in his public speeches and media appearances. He has frequently recalled a conversation in which an unnamed officer described the digital catapult system, prompting Trump to dismiss it as “complicated” and costly. “You have to be Albert Einstein to figure it out,” he claimed, insisting that reverting to steam would be more efficient and economical for the Navy’s operations.
The Costs of Change
Despite Trump’s enthusiasm for steam catapults, defence industry experts and naval leaders have raised significant concerns about the feasibility of such a transition. The Wall Street Journal has reported that the complex nature of the electromagnetic systems, which are integral to the design of modern aircraft carriers, makes a wholesale change not only financially burdensome but also fraught with logistical challenges. General Atomics, the firm responsible for the electromagnetic launch system, warned that altering course at this stage could introduce substantial cost overruns and integration issues, given that nearly half of the construction work on the USS Doris Miller is already complete.
Critics within the military community have also expressed their reservations. Senator Mark Kelly, a former astronaut and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, took to social media to voice his opposition. “I’ve launched off the front of aircraft carriers hundreds of times,” he stated, adding that Trump should refrain from advising the Navy on technical matters. His blunt assessment underscored the growing frustration among military professionals regarding the former president’s interference in defence operations.
Rising Tensions and Mental Health Concerns
Adding to the complexity of the situation is the ongoing conflict with Iran, which has put immense pressure on US naval forces, particularly aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. Reports indicate a troubling mental health crisis among the carrier’s 5,000 sailors and Marines, who are facing an unprecedented deployment duration. The stress of extended operations, combined with the uncertainty surrounding their equipment, poses significant challenges for the morale and wellbeing of the crew.
As the Pentagon grapples with these dual pressures—Trump’s insistence on traditional systems versus the urgent mental health needs of sailors—the future of modern naval warfare hangs in the balance.
Why it Matters
Trump’s directive to revert to steam catapults not only raises questions about the Navy’s technological evolution but also highlights the broader implications of military leadership and decision-making. As the US confronts complex global challenges, the effectiveness and adaptability of its naval forces will be paramount. This ongoing debate underscores the critical need for informed, evidence-based leadership in national security, especially as military personnel continue to bear the brunt of prolonged conflicts.
