Guam could play a central role in America’s renewed push for maritime strength under a recent executive order by President Donald Trump, according to Delegate James C. Moylan. On April 15, in a statement Moylan praised the initiative as a significant step forward for the island’s strategic and economic future.
The executive order, “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance,” directs the creation of a Maritime Action Plan (MAP), the launch of a Maritime Security Trust Fund, and the establishment of financial incentives for shipbuilding and investment in maritime infrastructure. It also includes the development of Maritime Prosperity Zones—special areas that encourage domestic and allied investment in U.S. maritime industries.
Moylan welcomed the order, emphasizing Guam’s pivotal location in the Indo-Pacific and its potential to benefit from the new federal priorities.
“We are excited to see the Trump administration prioritizing America’s maritime dominance,” Moylan said. “In light of the rising threats from foreign adversaries in the Indo-Pacific region, safeguarding Guam is my foremost concern.”
The order signed April 9, outlines actions to revitalize America’s shipbuilding industry, increase the competitiveness of U.S.-flagged vessels, and expand the maritime workforce. It responds to long-standing concerns about the decline of the domestic maritime industrial base—currently producing less than 1% of the world’s commercial ships—while nations like China account for nearly half.
Moylan said he is working to ensure Guam becomes a key focus in the national Maritime Action Plan, which must be submitted to the President within 210 days. “We will ensure that Guam is not only prioritized but is also a central focus in the discussions and decision-making processes related to the MAP, particularly concerning the Indo-Pacific region,” he said.
Moylan underscored that Guam’s geographic location makes it uniquely positioned to benefit from investments in shipbuilding, logistics, and port infrastructure. He said that Guam’s role could be strengthened through the Shipbuilding Financial Incentives Program—a provision of the order aimed at attracting private investment and boosting shipyard capabilities.
“I am fully committed to ensuring that Guam maximizes its potential as a key player in America’s maritime dominance,” Moylan said. “I will relentlessly pursue every avenue to secure our position in the Maritime Action Plan and drive economic prosperity for Guam through strategic initiatives.”
The executive order also calls for assessments and legislative proposals related to education, workforce development, and U.S. cargo preference laws—measures that could open additional opportunities for Guam in training programs, logistics networks, and national security roles.
“The opportunities presented by President Trump’s Executive Order are pivotal for Guam,” Moylan said. “With its implementation, Guam stands poised to seize newfound opportunities and establish itself as a critical participant in America’s maritime and economic strategies.”
The Maritime Action Plan is expected to be developed with input from multiple federal agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Transportation, Commerce, and Homeland Security, along with the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Guam’s congressional office plans to advocate for the island’s inclusion at each stage of the process. mbj