President Donald Trump has instructed the Pentagon to redesign a new aircraft carrier to utilize steam catapults for launching jets, a preference he has expressed annually since 2017. This directive was issued through a national security memorandum signed on August 13, 2026, which directs Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to implement the change. Trump has criticized the current electromagnetic systems used in modern US aircraft carriers, labeling them as overly complicated.
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Trump directs Pentagon to redesign aircraft carrier with steam catapults
President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to redesign a new aircraft carrier to use steam catapults instead of electromagnetic systems for launching jets. This directive, issued through a national security memorandum, reflects Trump's long-standing preference for steam catapults, which he has advocated for since 2017.
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Donald Trump
Pete Hegseth
Hung Cao
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Trump orders Pentagon to redesign US aircraft carrier to use steam catapults to launch jets
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Trump directs Pentagon to redesign aircraft carrier with steam catapults