US EditionWhite House urged firing live bombs, not dummies, for Trump’s visit to Navy celebration: AP sources
The White House insisted on live 2,000-pound bombs for a more impactful display during the Navy's 250th anniversary, fulfilling both training and spectacle purposes.
- On Oct. 5, 2025, the White House pressed the U.S. Navy to use 2,000-pound live bombs instead of dummy explosives during a Norfolk demonstration attended by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.
- Trump's preference for large military pageantry is reflected in pushing U.S. military services to hold grand demonstrations, including tanks in a June parade in the nation’s capital.
- Navy planners said the switch required revising detailed plans and safety protocols, as seven Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers fired guns, four launched Standard Missile 2 rounds, and carrier aircraft released missiles costing $2,000,000 each.
- Following the Oct. 18 misfire at Camp Pendleton, critics questioned safety as the White House and Anna Kelly insisted live munitions were planned, despite concerns from lawmakers.
- Military officials defended the choice, saying live ammunition serves training purposes and the administration directed military displays despite the U.S. government shutdown operational context.
34 Articles
34 Articles
White House Urged Firing Live Bombs, Not Dummies, for Trump’s Visit to Navy Celebration
The White House pressed Navy officials to launch 2,000-pound live bombs instead of dummy explosives during a recent military demonstration for the service’s 250th anniversary celebration that President Donald Trump attended.
White House urged firing live 2,000-pound bombs at Trump's Navy celebration event: report
The Trump administration tried to get the Navy to use live 2,000-pound bombs instead of dummy bombs to mark the celebration of the Navy's 250th Anniversary, according to The Associated Press."Original planning for what the Navy dubbed the Titans of the Sea Presidential Review called for military per...
US President Donald Trump has a preference for military spectacle. He wants it especially with sharp ammunition, which is otherwise unusual and has raised a problem in California.
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