White House Urged Live Bombs for Trump Navy Celebration, Sparking Safety Concerns
The White House urged the U.S. Navy to use live munitions instead of dummy bombs for President Trump's visit to a Navy celebration, prompting safety adjustments and criticism from officials.
Overview
- The White House advised the U.S. Navy to employ live bombs for a military demonstration during President Trump's visit to a Navy celebration, departing from typical inert bomb use.
- Navy officials were compelled to revise detailed safety protocols and plans due to the White House's insistence on using live munitions for the event.
- The decision drew scrutiny, recalling past incidents like a Camp Pendleton live fire demonstration that sprayed shrapnel onto a freeway, causing road closures.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly criticized the choice to use live bombs during the Marine showcase, which led to hours-long closure of a major roadway.
- While the White House denied switching plans, Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly confirmed live munitions were planned, stating it was typical for such training exercises.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame this story by emphasizing the White House's alleged insistence on live bombs for President Trump's Navy visit, portraying it as part of a pattern of turning the military towards his personal wishes for "pomp and pageantry." They highlight deviations from normal procedure, safety concerns, and the event's cost, linking it to broader criticisms of the administration's use of military displays.
"The White House pushed forward with the event despite a U.S. government shutdown, which has led nonessential federal workers to be sent home without pay and reduced operation of many non-critical government services."
Military Times"The White House pushed forward with the event despite a U.S. government shutdown, which has led nonessential federal workers to be sent home without pay and reduced operation of many non-critical government services."
Chicago Tribune"The White House pushed forward with the event despite a U.S. government shutdown, which has led nonessential federal workers to be sent home without pay and reduced operation of many non-critical government services."
Associated PressArticles (4)
Center (3)
FAQ
The White House insisted on using live munitions for the demonstration, claiming it was typical for such training exercises, despite the usual protocol of using inert bombs for safety.
The use of live bombs led Navy officials to revise detailed safety protocols and plans, with concerns heightened by past incidents like a Camp Pendleton live fire that sprayed shrapnel onto a freeway, causing road closures.
California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly criticized the decision, especially because it caused the hours-long closure of a major roadway.
While the White House denied switching plans, Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly confirmed that live munitions were planned, saying it was typical for such exercises.
History
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