The White House reportedly urged U.S. Navy officials to use live 2,000-pound bombs instead of dummy explosives during a military demonstration for the Navy’s 250th anniversary, which President Donald Trump attended on October 5.
Officials involved in planning said the White House wanted Trump to “see explosions” rather than just a “big splash.” The demonstration, held aboard the USS Harry S. Truman in Norfolk, Virginia, was originally planned using dummy bombs.
A White House spokesperson, however, denied any switch occurred. Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said live munitions were always part of the plan, as is typical for training exercises.
Military officials normally favor dummy bombs for demonstrations. They are safer, less expensive, and still effective for training. But the use of live ordnance can also serve a training purpose, and some argue the bombs would have been used eventually anyway.
The shift to live explosives required the Navy to revise detailed safety plans for the Norfolk demonstration. The event proceeded despite a partial U.S. government shutdown, which sent many federal workers home without pay.
The decision comes amid scrutiny of another live-fire event on October 18 at Camp Pendleton for the Marines’ 250th anniversary. A misfire sent shrapnel onto Interstate 5 in California, striking two Highway Patrol vehicles, though no one was injured. California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, criticized the risks.
Trump has long shown enthusiasm for military pageantry. During his second term, he requested large parades and demonstrations, inspired by a Bastille Day event he attended in France. He also enjoyed the recent military welcome during his U.K. state visit.
At the Norfolk celebration, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump watched from the deck of the aircraft carrier before he delivered a speech attacking political opponents and Democratic lawmakers.
