Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Restores America’s Maritime Dominance

4/9/2025

Fact Sheets

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Action Summary

Maritime Dominance Initiative: Revitalize U.S. maritime power through a comprehensive Maritime Action Plan (MAP) aimed at restoring and sustaining the nation’s shipbuilding and maritime industry.
Regulatory Reversal & Procurement Reform: Reverse over-regulation and bureaucratic delays in government procurement, enabling private industry to build vessels on-time and within budget.
Defense & Industrial Investment: Instruct the Secretary of Defense to explore Defense Production Act Title III options and modernize the Maritime Industrial Base, while establishing the Office of Maritime and Industrial Capacity at the National Security Council.
Trade & Competition Measures:
- USTR Actions: Provide recommendations on combating China’s anticompetitive practices in the shipbuilding industry.
- Enforcement Initiatives: Direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to enforce fees on foreign cargo to prevent circumvention and ensure revenue for maritime investments.
Financial Incentives & Community Investment: Establish a Maritime Security Trust Fund, shipbuilding financial incentives program, and develop Maritime Prosperity Zones modeled after Opportunity Zones to stimulate private investment and revitalize waterfront communities.
Workforce & Capacity Expansion: Enhance mariner training and education via investments in the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and expanded training opportunities; increase the commercial shipping fleet both internationally and domestically.
Strategic Security & Reserve Fleet Review: Develop strategies for arctic waterway security amid growing foreign interests, and review the inactive reserve fleet to ensure robust sealift capacity for military operations.
National Economic & Security Priorities: Overall, reposition the U.S. maritime industry as a critical component of economic strength and national security, addressing decades of neglect and countering China’s dominance in shipbuilding.

Risks & Considerations

The Executive Order aims to revitalize the U.S. maritime industry, which could lead to increased competition and opportunities for American shipbuilders. However, this may also result in increased regulatory scrutiny and changes in trade policies that could affect international collaborations and partnerships.
The focus on reducing over-regulation and improving procurement processes may streamline operations for U.S. maritime industries, but it could also lead to challenges in compliance and adaptation for institutions involved in maritime research and education.
The establishment of Maritime Prosperity Zones and financial incentives for shipbuilding could attract investment and development in waterfront communities, potentially impacting local economies and educational institutions in those areas.
Vanderbilt University may need to consider how these changes in the maritime industry could affect its research programs, particularly those related to engineering, logistics, and international trade.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt School of Engineering may see increased demand for research and expertise in maritime engineering and technology, presenting opportunities for collaboration with federal agencies and private industry.
Vanderbilt’s International Business Programs might need to adjust their curricula to address changes in trade policies and international supply chain dynamics resulting from the Executive Order.
The Office of Community Engagement could play a role in supporting local communities affected by the development of Maritime Prosperity Zones, helping to ensure that they benefit from the economic opportunities presented.
Vanderbilt’s partnerships with maritime and logistics companies may need to be reevaluated to ensure alignment with the new policies and industry priorities.

Financial Impact

The creation of a Maritime Security Trust Fund and financial incentives for shipbuilding could impact the funding landscape for maritime research and development, potentially leading to new grant opportunities for Vanderbilt University.
Vanderbilt University might experience changes in its funding opportunities, particularly if federal discretionary grants prioritize maritime industry revitalization. This could necessitate adjustments in grant application strategies and partnerships.
There may be increased opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and development in maritime policy and technology, particularly through collaborations with the Department of Defense and other federal agencies.
As the maritime industry grows, there could be a shift in the demographics of students applying to Vanderbilt, particularly in engineering and international business programs, potentially affecting tuition revenue and financial aid distribution.

Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks typically involving compliance or ethics, with potential opportunities for research and collaboration.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering should explore opportunities to collaborate with the U.S. government on maritime technology and innovation projects. By aligning research initiatives with the Maritime Action Plan, the school can contribute to advancements in shipbuilding and maritime logistics, potentially securing federal funding and partnerships.
The Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in maritime policy and trade regulations, particularly those affecting international supply chains. Understanding these changes will be crucial for advising Vanderbilt’s leadership on potential impacts to research and educational programs related to global trade and logistics.
Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management could develop specialized programs or courses focused on maritime industry management and logistics. This would position the school as a leader in training future leaders in the revitalized maritime sector, attracting students interested in this growing field.
The Department of Political Science should conduct research on the geopolitical implications of the U.S. maritime strategy, particularly in relation to China and Arctic waterways. This research can provide valuable insights into international relations and security, enhancing Vanderbilt’s role as a thought leader in global policy analysis.
Vanderbilt’s Center for Transportation and Operational Resilience should engage in research and development projects aimed at improving maritime infrastructure and resilience. By contributing to the development of Maritime Prosperity Zones, the center can play a key role in enhancing the economic vitality of waterfront communities.

Opportunities

The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s School of Engineering to expand its research and development efforts in maritime technology. By leveraging its expertise in engineering and innovation, the school can contribute to the design and evaluation of advanced maritime systems, potentially influencing national maritime policy.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on maritime industry revitalization by developing new programs and partnerships with maritime organizations and government agencies. This could include joint research initiatives, student internships, and collaborative projects, enhancing Vanderbilt’s reputation and reach in the maritime sector.
The emphasis on expanding mariner training and education offers an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Peabody College to engage in educational program development and policy analysis. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the college can influence how training programs are designed and implemented to support maritime workforce development.
The order’s focus on improving competition within the private sector for government projects aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. The university can develop targeted outreach and support programs for students and faculty interested in maritime industry entrepreneurship, enhancing their opportunities for success.
By engaging with the broader maritime community and policymakers, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in the national conversation on maritime industry revitalization. Hosting conferences, workshops, and public forums on the implications of maritime policies can further establish Vanderbilt as a hub for innovative maritime thought and practice.

Relevance Score: 4 (The order presents the potential for major process changes required for Vanderbilt’s programs due to opportunities in maritime industry collaboration and research.)

Average Relevance Score: 3

Timeline for Implementation

N/A – No specific deadlines or defined timelines were provided within the order directives beyond the general implementation context.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Department of Defense (DoD): The Order directs the Secretary of Defense to assess maritime options—using Defense Production Act authorities—and to review the funding and mobilization of an inactive reserve fleet, thereby strengthening military sealift capacity and overall maritime resilience.
United States Trade Representative (USTR): USTR is tasked with evaluating and recommending measures to counter China’s anticompetitive actions in the shipbuilding industry.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS): DHS is instructed to enforce the collection of Harbor Maintenance Fees and other charges on foreign cargo, ensuring fair fee assessments and boosting revenue for maritime investments.
Office of Maritime and Industrial Capacity (within the National Security Council): A new office is established to coordinate policies and initiatives aimed at reviving American shipbuilding and maritime industrial strength.
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy: The Order includes plans to expand training and education opportunities as part of efforts to rebuild the U.S. maritime workforce.

Relevance Score: 2 (Between three and five Federal agencies are directly impacted by the Order.)

Responsible Officials

Secretary of Defense – Tasked with assessing options under the Defense Production Act Title III and reviewing the funding, retention, support, and mobilization of the inactive reserve fleet to expand maritime industrial capacity.
United States Trade Representative (USTR) – Directed to provide recommendations regarding China’s anticompetitive practices in the shipbuilding industry.
Secretary of Homeland Security – Responsible for enforcing the collection of the Harbor Maintenance Fee and related charges on foreign cargo entering the United States.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives are issued to Cabinet-level officials with broad, strategic national security and economic implications.)