Trump the "Engineer" demands expensive design changes for aircraft carriers
Following his order to return to steam-based launch systems, Donald Trump is now considering moving the command tower to the center of future aircraft carriers to mimic a World War II aesthetic. Experts warn of billions in costs and delays, while critics urge the president to refrain from engineering interference.
US President Donald Trump, who has shown significant involvement in the future generation of US Navy ships, continues his unprecedented interference in naval design. According to a report in the "Washington Post," the administration is examining a costly design change: moving the "island"—the tower housing the command bridge and radar systems—to the center of future aircraft carriers. Trump reportedly finds the current design of the "Gerald Ford" class, where the tower is positioned toward the rear, aesthetically unappealing and prefers a look reminiscent of World War II-era ships.
The Navy previously studied this change during Trump’s first term, concluding that it would cost billions of dollars and cause significant construction delays. Experts note that the current rear-positioned tower design was implemented for efficiency and safety, providing more space for electromagnetic catapults and reducing air turbulence during landings.
Brian Clark, a former Navy officer and researcher at the Hudson Institute, emphasized that moving the tower would require an extensive redesign, affecting the ship's buoyancy and weight. "It is possible to change it," he added, "but it will involve significant disruptions."
This report follows Trump’s recent executive order mandating a return to steam-based catapults, rejecting the electromagnetic systems used in the new "Ford" class. Trump has frequently criticized the electromagnetic systems, calling them "too complex" and unreliable. However, experts point out a major logistical hurdle: the specialized infrastructure for manufacturing steam catapults has largely disappeared since the commissioning of the USS George Bush in 2009.
According to analysts, these changes could cost billions for the "Doris Miller" carrier alone and delay its entry into service until the end of the next decade. While Trump prioritizes "proven" technology, maritime experts argue that electromagnetic systems are smoother, more efficient, and require less maintenance than their steam-powered predecessors.
The president's interference has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats. Senator Mark Kelly, a former astronaut and US Navy captain, stated:
"I have launched myself from the decks of aircraft carriers hundreds of times, I have a master's degree in aeronautical engineering, and I am a test pilot—and even I would not advise the Navy on how to engineer specific systems on its ships. Donald Trump should stick to what he knows best—ballrooms, bankruptcies, and bullshit."
