Presidential Message on National Maritime Day

On National Maritime Day, President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation honoring the United States Merchant Marine, praising the "brave Mariners" who have anchored the nation’s economy and security for 250 years.The President used the occasion to detail a comprehensive strategy to "restore and expand" American maritime dominance, building on historic naval traditions.The President traced the history of the Merchant Marine from the birth of the Republic to the present:The Revolutionary War: He noted that Mariners defied British blockades and captured enemy vessels to fuel the Continental Army’s pursuit of liberty.World War II: The President highlighted their "decisive role" in transporting troops and war materials across perilous waters, noting the "massive casualties" they endured to ensure victory over tyranny.Current Mission: Today, Mariners are credited with stocking American shelves, fueling industries, and supplying the Armed Forces across every ocean.President Trump detailed specific executive actions taken to modernize the industry and ensure economic independence:2025 Executive Order: The President highlighted a landmark order signed last year aimed at expanding shipbuilding capacity, strengthening the maritime workforce, and protecting the industrial base.Infrastructure Investment: The administration reported securing "unprecedented investments" in port and maritime infrastructure to drive domestic economic growth.Military Readiness: The President emphasized that these actions ensure U.S. shipping capabilities can fully support global military operations and national security.The proclamation frames maritime power as a prerequisite for national prosperity. The President stated that his administration is rejecting the decline of American shipping and instead "reclaiming our Nation's wealth" on the high seas.As the United States commemorates its Semiquincentennial, the President renewed the commitment to ensuring that America remains the "most dominant force upon the oceans" for generations to come. He concluded by saluting the patriots of the Merchant Marine for sustaining the nation through its greatest trials and carrying its prosperity to "new heights."Conclusion:The proclamation characterizes the Merchant Marine as an "indispensable" component of the American spirit. By combining historic reverence with aggressive new investments in shipbuilding and ports, the administration intends to usher in a new era of American maritime power.