Trump Orders DOGE to Investigate Troubled Navy Shipbuilding Projects

In a bold move to address the ongoing issues plaguing the U.S. Navy’s shipbuilding industry, President Donald Trump has issued an executive order directing Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to investigate the Navy and Coast Guard’s shipbuilding programs. This action comes in the wake of years of delays, budget overruns, and a lack of progress in meeting military shipbuilding goals.

The order, announced on Wednesday, mandates DOGE to begin a thorough review of the Navy’s shipbuilding processes within the next three months. The goal is to “improve the efficiency and effectiveness” of these operations, which have been marred by decades of inefficiency, with military and commercial shipbuilding often running years behind schedule and billions of dollars over budget.

Both the Trump and Biden administrations have made attempts to tackle the shipbuilding crisis with limited success. Promises to reduce delays, improve planning, and streamline the design of new warships have largely fallen short, leaving the U.S. Navy with critical delays in its fleet modernization.

Key Steps in the Executive Order

The executive order instructs both the Navy and Coast Guard to conduct 45-day reviews of their shipbuilding efforts. Additionally, the order requires the secretaries of Defense and Transportation to collaborate in revitalizing the American shipbuilding industry, which is currently overshadowed by global competitors, especially China.

Another crucial aspect of the order is the formation of a Maritime Action Plan. By November, various government departments, including Defense, Commerce, and Transportation, will be tasked with outlining a new vision for investing in the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base. This plan is seen as essential to reversing the decline of the U.S. shipbuilding industry and regaining global competitiveness.

Shipbuilding Woes and Political Backlash

The Navy’s shipbuilding challenges are well-documented. Programs like the Constellation-class frigate, which is now five years behind schedule and over budget, have been widely criticized. Despite being touted as the solution to the failed Littoral Combat Ship program, the Constellation-class has faced multiple design changes and delays that have raised concerns about its viability.

Rep. Rob Wittman, a Virginia Republican, recently questioned whether the Navy could recover from these setbacks or if a complete overhaul of the program was necessary. “Are we at a tipping point with Constellation?” he asked at a recent conference, signaling the growing frustration over the program’s failures.

Matthew Paxton, president of the Shipbuilders Council of America, welcomed the executive order, emphasizing that it offers a critical opportunity to rebuild the U.S. shipbuilding capacity. He stated that the order could create a more powerful environment for the U.S. Navy to build the fleet of the future.

Skepticism from Democrats

Despite the optimism from the shipbuilding industry, the order has faced skepticism from some Democratic lawmakers. Rep. Joe Courtney, ranking member of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, voiced concerns about DOGE’s ability to address the practical needs of the shipbuilding industry. “DOGE is not going to create welders, electricians, and outside machinists through the tools they have,” Courtney argued, referring to the skilled labor required to meet the shipbuilding industry’s demands.

The future of the U.S. Navy’s shipbuilding programs hinges on whether DOGE can successfully navigate the complex web of bureaucratic inefficiency, technical challenges, and political resistance. While the task ahead is monumental, the hope is that the executive order marks a turning point in a long-standing crisis within the Navy and Coast Guard’s shipbuilding efforts.

If Trump’s plan succeeds, it could herald a new era of efficiency and innovation in U.S. military shipbuilding, paving the way for a stronger, more modern fleet. However, whether DOGE can overcome its own challenges and deliver meaningful change remains to be seen.

With the appointment of DOGE to oversee the Navy’s shipbuilding troubles, President Trump is making a bold move to address an issue that has plagued the U.S. military for decades. While the path forward is uncertain, this intervention could mark a critical turning point in rebuilding the U.S. Navy’s future fleet.

{Source Politico}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com