Trump’s aircraft carrier demands may lead to waiting game for Navy

AI Summary

President Trump is influencing U.S. aircraft carrier designs by demanding a return to steam catapults on Ford-class carriers, which may increase construction costs and delay completion timelines. The U.S. Navy must adapt to these potentially seismic changes.

President Trump is increasingly putting his thumb on the scale by wading more into the designs of U.S. aircraft carriers, backing potentially seismic design changes that would increase construction costs and scramble timelines to complete the build.  The president has ordered a return to steam catapults on Ford-class aircraft carriers, and the U.S. Navy is…