U.S. Navy Shipbuilding Challenges Under Trump Administration
**The state of the U.S. Navy fleet has become a significant topic in recent years, particularly regarding issues of readiness and maintenance. Under the Trump administration, the longstanding problem of corrosion on naval vessels has resurfaced, especially highlighted by the nomination of John Phelan as the next Secretary of the Navy. During a Senate presentation on February 27, Phelan revealed that President Trump had expressed his concerns about the condition of Navy warships through late-night messages, emphasizing the need for immediate action.**
In light of a critical report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), which questioned the Navy’s focus on shipbuilding and repair, Phelan assured the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) that shipbuilding remains a top priority for both President Trump and himself. He committed to thoroughly reviewing all Navy contracts from the outset of his tenure to identify necessary restructuring. The GAO report, which featured a photo of the USS Green Bay, advised the Navy to develop clear metrics for investment, assess repair needs, and create a strategy for its shipbuilding industrial base.
