Trump Targets Advanced Carrier Systems

Trump’s push to abandon advanced technology in favor of outdated steam catapults threatens to stall U.S. Navy modernization.

Story Snapshot

Trump advocates for steam catapults over electromagnetic systems.
Concerns about cost and reliability drive the debate.
No executive order signed yet, causing uncertainty.
Defense community divided over technology choices.

Trump’s Call for Steam Catapults

In late October 2025, President Donald Trump announced his intent to sign an executive order mandating the use of steam catapults and hydraulic elevators on new U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. This move rejects the Navy’s current adoption of the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Weapons Elevators (AWE) on Ford-class carriers. Trump cited concerns over the cost, reliability, and maintenance of new electromagnetic systems, advocating for a return to proven steam technology used since the 1950s.

Trump’s public criticism of EMALS dates back to his presidency (2017–2021), with repeated remarks about its unreliability and cost. His specific announcement to sign an executive order was made during a speech to the crew of the USS George Washington in Yokosuka, Japan. The story gained renewed attention following this speech and subsequent media coverage in October 2025.

Trump: We're Going Back To Steam For Our Aircraft Carrier Catapults

"I’m going to put in an order. Seriously. They’re spending billions to build stupid electric. And when it breaks, you have to send it up to MIT… The steam — they can fix it with a hammer and a blowtorch." pic.twitter.com/z3pQl7mbGA

— RCP Video (@rcpvideo) October 28, 2025

The Debate: Steam vs. Electromagnetic Systems

The debate centers around Trump’s opposition to technological modernization in favor of legacy systems. This frames the argument as one between proven reliability (steam) and costly, problematic innovation (EMALS). The steam catapults have been the standard for launching aircraft from U.S. Navy carriers since the 1950s, providing reliable service for decades. EMALS was developed to replace steam catapults, promising smoother launches, reduced wear on aircraft, and increased sortie rates.

Persistent technical issues and delays with EMALS and AWE on the Ford-class carriers have fueled Trump’s longstanding criticism. The ongoing debate within the Navy and defense community over the merits and drawbacks of EMALS versus steam catapults continues to stir controversy. The Navy operates 10 Nimitz-class carriers with steam catapults and is transitioning to the Ford-class with EMALS. This shift raises questions about technological parity and future-proofing.

Potential Implications and Industry Perspectives

Short-term implications of Trump’s proposed executive order include potential disruption and uncertainty in carrier procurement. Long-term, there could be delays and increased costs if future carriers are redesigned for steam catapults. Critics argue this might risk technological stagnation if EMALS is abandoned. The move could also impact U.S. Navy personnel, defense contractors, and taxpayers due to cost implications.

Many defense analysts argue that EMALS, despite its teething problems, offers significant long-term benefits in sortie rate, aircraft longevity, and operational flexibility. Critics, including some Navy veterans, highlight persistent reliability issues and advocate for proven steam technology. Technical professionals note that EMALS reduces stress on aircraft and flight decks, potentially lowering maintenance costs over time. Some caution that abandoning EMALS would set back U.S. naval innovation and cede technological leadership to rivals like China.

Watch the report: Trump rants about magnets vs. water power for aircraft carrier catapults during speech to troops