AP: Trump officials demanded real explosions at Navy anniversary display

The White House reportedly urged the US Navy to use live 2,000-pound bombs rather than dummy explosives during an elaborate military display held to mark the Navy’s 250th anniversary, which President Donald Trump attended, according to two people familiar with the planning who spoke to the Associated Press.

One source involved in the preparations said that White House officials pressed Navy organisers, insisting that Trump “needed to see explosions” rather than just “a big splash” during the October 5 demonstration.

Originally, the Navy’s plan for the event — officially titled the Titans of the Sea Presidential Review — involved the use of dummy bombs without explosives, according to a third person familiar with the planning. This source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, declined to comment on the reasons behind the decision to replace inert devices with live ordnance.

The White House, however, denied that any such change had taken place. Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said in a statement: “Organisers always planned to use live munitions, as is typical in training exercises.”

The incident marks the latest instance of the Trump administration shaping military displays and activities to suit the president’s preferences — from assembling top generals in Washington for speeches to authorising deadly strikes on suspected drug boats in the Caribbean.

Traditionally, the US military relies on dummy or inert bombs for training and demonstrations because they are cheaper and safer, lacking the costly explosives, fuses, and other sensitive components used in live weapons.

However, some military officials defended the use of live ammunition for the anniversary event, arguing that such ordnance would have been used in later training exercises regardless and that the demonstration also served a practical training function.

The last-minute switch required the Navy to revise its detailed safety and logistical plans for the large-scale demonstration in Norfolk, according to the three individuals familiar with the process.

Despite a government shutdown that had sent nonessential federal employees home without pay and curtailed numerous public services, the White House proceeded with the event as scheduled, ensuring that the celebration went ahead under full presidential attendance.

By Tamilla Hasanova