The longstanding maxim that “whoever controls the sea controls the world” reflects the central role of maritime power in ensuring the security and prosperity of maritime nations.Since the late 19th century, the United States has built formidable sea power — anchored in shipbuilding, shipping and naval capability — but in the post-Cold War era these foundations have gradually eroded and the U.S. maritime industrial base has fallen significantly behind that of China.Against this backdrop, U.S. President Donald Trump has pledged to rebuild America’s maritime industrial base. Yet just over a year since his April 9, 2025, executive order pledging to “Restore America’s Maritime Dominance,” the trajectory of U.S. maritime industrial policy appears to be drifting away from its original objective.