Trump boosts US shipbuilding against China; DOGE reviewing Navy

There's new executive action that aims to counter China at sea

President Trump signed the order this week to overhaul American shipbuilding and shipping

Trump's directive authorizes Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency to investigate underperforming programs in both military and civilian sectors

One under scrutiny is the Navy's Constellation-class frigate, a project delayed by repeated design and scheduling issues

The first ship expected to deliver in 2029, three years past the original deadline

According to the order, the Navy and Coast Guard must each evaluate their shipbuilding operations within 45 days

In coordination with several agencies, including defense, transportation, homeland security, and commerce departments

a maritime action plan is expected by November. It will propose new strategies and funding priorities

to reinforce the United States' capacity to build and maintain ships for military and commercial use

Trade provisions in the order call for new port fees on vessels

connected to Chinese ownership or construction. Additional measures include potential tariffs on imported shipbuilding equipment and stricter enforcement of harbor charges Officials say the goal is to discourage companies from diverting cargo through Mexico or Canada to bypass U regulations

Data cited by the White House show U.S. shipbuilders produce less than 1 percent of global vessels

China, by comparison, builds roughly half. To support the initiative, the order creates a Maritime Security Trust Fund and introduces incentives aimed at attracting private capital to shipyards, dry docks and training programs

Reaction to the announcement has been mixed. Some lawmakers argue Doge lacks the capacity to address long-term labor and infrastructure problems

while industry advocates such as the Shipbuilders Council of America say the effort could lay the foundation for revitalizing American shipbuilding

The move follows years of bipartisan concern over China's expanding presence in global shipping

and ongoing warnings about the readiness of the U.S. fleet. For more of our unbiased straight fact reporting, download the Straight Arrow News app today or log on to san.com