Story perspectives

Trump Memorandum Orders 60-Day EMALS Replacement on CVN-81

8/14/2026

Summary

Trump Navy Overhaul

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a memorandum on August 13, 2026 reshaping Navy shipbuilding and imposing new drone tariffs.
The secretary of war must replace the EMALS system on CVN-81 with steam propulsion within 60 days.
A plan for surface combatants, tankers and roll-on/roll-off ships must be issued within 90 days.

Summary

Hanwha Offers

Hanwha Defense USA lodged a non-binding cash-free, debt-free offer of $1.05-$1.20 billion for Austal USA.
Austal USA projects an EBIT loss of about $175 million for fiscal 2026, shifting its outlook to a $113 million loss.
The deal requires clearances from CFIUS, the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, and U.S. antitrust officials.
Austal’s order book tops $10 billion and contains a $3.3 billion Offshore Patrol Cutter contract for up to 11 vessels starting in 2027.

History

Historical Context

Since President Gerald Ford created CFIUS in 1975, Congress expanded its authority with the 1988 Exon-Florio Amendment and the 2018 FIRRMA, giving the committee power to block foreign-controlled defense deals. It rejected a Chinese-state purchase of General Dynamics’ Marine Group in 2018, and in August 2026 Trump ordered the CVN-81 carrier’s $2.5 billion EMALS system replaced, reflecting intensified scrutiny of shipbuilding and foreign investment.

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Trump Navy Overhaul

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a memorandum on August 13, 2026 reshaping Navy shipbuilding and imposing new drone tariffs.
The secretary of war must replace the EMALS system on CVN-81 with steam propulsion within 60 days.
A plan for surface combatants, tankers and roll-on/roll-off ships must be issued within 90 days.

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