President Trump is set to headline an event in Baltimore on Tuesday afternoon to announce a multibillion-dollar investment in U.S. submarine production, a move that underscores the administration's focus on expanding naval capabilities.
Defense technology firm Anduril Industries will commit $3.7 billion to build a new shipyard at Tradepoint Atlantic in Sparrows Point, Maryland. The Navy could add up to $2.9 billion in purchases from the facility, according to details released ahead of the event.
The shipyard, dubbed Arsenal-2, will produce components and large-scale assemblies for the Virginia-class attack submarines, a critical part of the Navy's fleet. Officials say the project is expected to create more than 3,000 permanent jobs, a significant economic boost for the region.
Trump will be joined by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D), a vocal supporter of the project, was blocked from speaking at the announcement, according to a source familiar with the matter. The snub has drawn sharp criticism from Moore's office, with the White House responding to the controversy.
The event is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. EDT. It comes as the administration seeks to accelerate submarine production amid growing global threats and a backlog in naval shipbuilding.
Anduril's investment is part of a broader push to modernize defense manufacturing. The company, known for its work in autonomous systems and defense technology, has been expanding its footprint in traditional shipbuilding, a sector long dominated by established contractors.
The Baltimore shipyard is expected to complement existing Navy shipyards, which have struggled with maintenance backlogs and capacity constraints. By outsourcing production of submarine components to a private facility, the Navy aims to speed up delivery of Virginia-class submarines, which are in high demand for both nuclear deterrence and conventional missions.
Moore, who had championed the project as a way to revitalize the Sparrows Point area, expressed disappointment at being sidelined. His office has not commented publicly on the snub, but the move has added a political layer to an otherwise defense-focused announcement.
The project also fits into a larger narrative of boosting submarine output, a priority for the Pentagon. The Navy has faced criticism for delays in submarine construction, and officials see private investment as a key solution.
Trump's visit to Baltimore, a Democratic stronghold, is likely to draw attention both for the economic news and for the political friction with Moore. The White House has defended the decision to exclude Moore, citing scheduling and protocol, but the snub has become a talking point in local and national politics.
As the event unfolds, all eyes will be on the details of the investment and the administration's broader strategy for naval readiness. The announcement is expected to be a centerpiece of Trump's defense agenda in the coming weeks.
