President Donald Trump orders the U.S. Navy to stop using electromagnetic catapult systems on aircraft carriers and revert to steam catapults to launch fighter jets. Multiple outlets report the directive is framed as a presidential order and is intended to be implemented as part of the Navy’s carrier aircraft-launching approach.
The reports add context that Trump has long preferred steam catapults and that the change faces resistance within the Navy. Bloomberg and others note many naval officers oppose the switch. Several outlets also describe costs and implementation questions, citing concerns that removing or replacing the newer electromagnetic systems would be expensive.
Other coverage specifies that the order directs the Pentagon to develop a plan and timeline for applying the change to future Gerald Ford-class carriers. The South China Morning Post and The Hill mention a requirement to produce planning within a set period and discuss how the change would affect the USS Doris Miller, described as part of the Ford-class program. Across outlets, the main differences center on emphasis—some focus on Trump’s preference and internal opposition, while others highlight procedural details and potential cost implications.
