Donald Trump Pledges Executive Order to Revert Navy to Steam Catapults

During a speech to troops aboard the USS George Washington at the Yokosuka Naval Base in Japan on October 28, 2025, Donald Trump announced his intention to issue an executive order reverting U.S. Navy aircraft carriers to steam-powered catapults and hydraulic elevators. The president criticized the newer Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System, claiming it is ineffective and susceptible to water damage compared to legacy systems. He cited a cost of $993 million for the electromagnetic catapults and asserted that steam technology had worked reliably for 50 years.

Trump's proposal would impact the construction of ten planned supercarriers, including the USS John F. Kennedy and USS Enterprise currently being built in Virginia. This initiative is part of a broader effort to create a new "Golden Fleet" of warships. During the same address, Trump praised the strength of the service members but stated he does not like "good-looking people."

Shipping experts suggest that revamping these systems based on aesthetic and legacy preferences would cost billions of dollars and may be destined to fail. The White House has not confirmed if the executive order will be implemented.