Trump wants Navy carriers to use steam catapults like in 'Top Gun'

President Donald Trump is advocating for a return to steam-powered catapults on U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, a move that would represent a significant technological rollback. Trump has expressed a preference for the older system, reportedly influenced by conversations with sailors and a fondness for the aesthetic seen in films like "Top Gun." He views modern electromagnetic catapults as less visually impressive than the steam-driven launches.

This initiative stems from Trump's long-standing fascination with steam catapults, which he first voiced publicly in 2017. Despite concerns from military leadership about the cost and feasibility of dismantling existing high-tech systems and the fact that steam catapults have not been manufactured in the U.S. for two decades, Trump has persisted. He views the older technology as more "casual" and aesthetically pleasing, likening it to dramatic scenes from action movies.

In a recent memorandum, Trump directed the Pentagon to fundamentally overhaul U.S. Navy shipbuilding, with a specific section dedicated to "Restoring Steam and Hydraulic Systems" on carriers. His administration has given the Secretary of Defense 60 days to submit a plan for implementing these changes. This directive could necessitate the removal of advanced systems already installed on new carriers, such as the USS Doris Miller, and fundamentally alter the design of future naval vessels.