Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) criticized President Donald Trump on August 14, 2026, for reportedly signing a memorandum directing the Navy to switch from electromagnetic catapult systems to steam catapults on aircraft carriers. Kelly, a Navy veteran, stated that he would not advise the Navy on engineering matters, emphasizing that Trump should focus on areas within his expertise. The memorandum, titled "Rebuilding the United States Navy and America’s Shipbuilding Industrial Base," instructs War Secretary Pete Hegseth and acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to develop a plan for this change, which could incur significant costs. Trump has previously expressed criticism of the electromagnetic systems, describing them as overly complex. The directive is expected to impact the next ship in the Ford class, the Doris Miller, and all subsequent ships in that class.
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Senator Mark Kelly Criticizes Trump's Directive on Navy Aircraft Carrier Systems
Senator Mark Kelly criticized President Trump for directing the Navy to revert to steam catapults on aircraft carriers, stating that Trump should not advise on technical matters. The memorandum signed by Trump could lead to significant costs and changes in the Navy's shipbuilding plans, impacting future vessels in the Ford class.
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- ✕ loaded language: 'rips'
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Mark Kelly rips Trump over reported aircraft carrier overhaul, says stick to ‘bulls***’
Senator Mark Kelly Criticizes Trump's Directive on Navy Aircraft Carrier Systems