Trump threatens to tap allies for military shipbuilding if US can’t produce

President-elect Donald Trump has expressed frustration over the lagging ship-building capabilities of the United States. In a surprising move, he suggested outsourcing production if the U.S. cannot keep up with the pace of other countries like China.

“We’re going to do something with ships. We need ships. And we may have to go a different route than you would normally go,” Trump stated in an interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt. He pointed out that the U.S. used to build a ship a day but has now fallen behind significantly. China, in contrast, is building a ship every four days, leaving the U.S. at a significant disadvantage.

The incoming president acknowledged that the U.S. may need to utilize allies in building ships to catch up to China’s shipbuilding capabilities. This proposal is sure to raise concerns among domestic shipbuilding industry and labor groups, as it deviates from Trump’s campaign promise to bring manufacturing back to the U.S.

Despite his previous stance on bringing manufacturing back to the U.S., Trump emphasized the need to grow the Navy’s ship fleet. He hinted at announcing plans to address the Navy’s shipbuilding challenges and expressed willingness to bid out shipbuilding projects to other countries if necessary.

The U.S. Navy has struggled to keep up with its shipbuilding goals, and Trump’s proposal to outsource production could potentially help bridge the gap in shipbuilding capabilities. The Navy has faced delays in key shipbuilding programs, which have been attributed to a lack of workers and management issues.

Trump also criticized the management of the Navy’s Constellation-class frigate program, blaming Biden-era officers for increasing costs by making unnecessary design changes. He highlighted the importance of sticking to the original plan to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness in shipbuilding projects.

The U.S. currently controls a minimal share of the global shipbuilding market, with China, South Korea, and Japan dominating the industry. It costs significantly more to build a ship in the U.S. compared to other countries, making outsourcing an attractive option to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

In conclusion, Trump’s proposal to outsource shipbuilding production reflects his commitment to addressing the challenges facing the U.S. Navy. By considering alternative solutions and leveraging allies in shipbuilding, the U.S. can enhance its capabilities and compete effectively in the global market. The president-elect’s unconventional approach may spark debate and opposition, but it could ultimately lead to positive outcomes for the U.S. Navy and national security.