What Will Trump’s Victory Mean for the Jones Act, Maritime Security, and the American Shipping Industry?

The recent re-election of Donald Trump has implications for many aspects of American policy, but one of the most significant—yet often overlooked—is its impact on the Jones Act, the American shipping industry, and American jobs. The Jones Act, a landmark piece of legislation from 1920, requires that goods transported between U.S. ports be carried on ships that are U.S.-built, U.S.-owned, and U.S.-crewed.

It may seem niche, but this act does more than keep a few ships sailing under the American flag; it’s an anchor for American jobs, a crucial factor in national security, and an ally to the growing green energy sector.

But more than 100 years after its passage, some short-sighted observers wonder why keeping the Jones Act strong under a Trump administration matters and what it means in practical terms for American jobs, security, and even our shift to renewable energy.

The Jones Act is essential for American jobs in the maritime industry, and under the new Trump administration, these jobs are likely to receive an extra layer of protection and promotion. The act supports nearly 650,000 American jobs and pumps around $150 billion into the economy every year. But these aren’t just numbers on a report—they’re real people in shipyards, crew on vessels, and employees in industries that support this trade network. They are families relying on wages from an industry that would otherwise be outsourced to foreign workers on foreign-flagged ships.

Imagine a young high school graduate from a shipbuilding town like Pascagoula, Mississippi. He could work in a well-paying shipyard job, staying close to family and friends, rather than moving away in search of work. Or consider the working families in states like Louisiana, California, or Virginia, where a significant number of jobs depend on the shipping industry. For these individuals, losing the protections of the Jones Act would likely mean losing their jobs to cheaper foreign labor.

The Economic Policy Institute’s research highlights that poorly managed trade policies have taken a devastating toll on American manufacturing jobs, particularly impacting Black, Latino, and other communities of color. Without the Jones Act, American jobs could easily shift to lower-cost foreign markets, putting these communities at even more risk of economic hardship. By maintaining and possibly strengthening the Jones Act, a Trump administration would help counter this trend, supporting steady, middle-class jobs in shipyards and on the seas.

While the Jones Act was originally designed to support traditional shipping, it’s now proving vital to America’s renewable energy aspirations, especially in offshore wind. Companies like Patriot Offshore Maritime Services recently secured a 10-year contract for Jones Act-compliant crew transfer vessels (CTVs), which will transport workers and materials to offshore wind projects. The Jones Act is helping to create a uniquely American supply chain for offshore wind, creating domestic jobs and spurring innovation in vessel technology.

To understand the significance of this, let’s think about how offshore wind farms actually get built. Installing a wind turbine in the middle of the ocean requires specialized vessels to transport and install massive turbine components, often in harsh weather conditions. These jobs and technologies could easily be outsourced to foreign companies, but because of the Jones Act, they’re staying in American hands.

Friede & Goldman’s new BargeRack concept is a perfect example of innovation sparked by the Jones Act—a specialized system for transporting and installing turbine parts that are specifically designed to comply with American maritime laws. The Act’s regulations thus directly support the country’s goal to become a leader in renewable energy while keeping jobs at home.

One of the most significant—if less obvious—benefits of the Jones Act is national security. By mandating that only American vessels can transport goods between U.S. ports, the act reduces the risks associated with foreign-controlled vessels operating in critical domestic waters. Imagine, for a moment, if vital goods and supplies within the U.S. were transported by foreign-flagged ships. Not only would that give foreign companies influence over U.S. transportation, but it would also make American ports more vulnerable to foreign espionage or interference in times of crisis.

In times of conflict or emergencies, the U.S. relies on a well-prepared and fully American-controlled merchant marine to transport supplies, equipment, and even personnel. Without the Jones Act, the U.S. would be left without a dependable fleet of domestically controlled ships, making it challenging to mobilize resources or support military logistics. Having a strong fleet of U.S.-flagged, U.S.-crewed vessels ensures that in critical situations, America is not left scrambling for solutions from foreign entities.

Many real-world examples illustrate this well: during several of the recent hurricane seasons, the U.S. needed a rapid response to transport essential goods to affected areas. American-flagged vessels, compliant with the Jones Act, were able to quickly mobilize, bringing food, fuel, and medical supplies. Without these American ships, America and her territories would have faced delays and potential security risks by relying on foreign crews and foreign vessels to perform these crucial tasks.

The Trump administration’s clear stance on prioritizing American industries aligns closely with the goals of the Jones Act. For industries that rely on steady, clear policy to operate effectively—like the shipping industry—this consistency is crucial. The benefits are clear: job security, national security, and technological innovation.

The Jones Act is not without its critics, who argue it can raise costs for shipping goods between U.S. ports, but this “price tag” is often overstated. The benefits of a strong domestic shipping industry—including good-paying jobs for American men and women, innovations in renewable energy transport, and enhanced national security—are well worth it.

In the end, the Jones Act is more than a piece of maritime legislation; it’s a safeguard for American jobs, an ally in our energy future, and a strategic pillar of national security. Trump’s recent re-election signals that this act—and the protections it offers—will remain strong, giving Americans across various industries reason to breathe a bit easier.

***

Julio Rivera is a business and political strategist, cybersecurity researcher, founder of ItFunk.Org, and a political commentator and columnist. His writing, which is focused on cybersecurity and politics, is regularly published by many of the largest news organizations in the world.