Marlon Humphrey rides with President Trump to Baltimore shipyard launch
Baltimore Ravens defensive back Marlon Humphrey and several teammates rode in an armored vehicle with President Donald Trump to a shipyard in Sparrows Point, Maryland on Oct. 11, 2026, as the president announced a partnership with Anduril Industries to construct a new facility that could create more than 3,000 jobs.
The announcement marked the launch of Arsenal‑2, a $3.7 billion, 2‑million‑square‑foot shipyard touted by Trump as the largest new U.S. shipyard built since World War II. He highlighted Baltimore’s historic role in wartime shipbuilding and said the site would help the United States expand its modern submarine fleet.
"Today, we're officially launching the construction of the largest new shipyard in the United States since World War II," Trump said at the ceremony.
Humphrey posted a video of himself riding behind the president in what he described as a "very armored vehicle" and later told reporters he could not turn down the invitation. He called the experience "quite the experience" and emphasized that his participation was not driven by politics.
"I don't really have any political beliefs," Humphrey said. "I did try to vote this last time, but my absentee ballot didn't come in. I do plan on voting the next time around."
The athlete’s comments quickly drew ire on social media, with users labeling him a "pawn," a "useful idiot" and a "political prop." Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant pushed back, writing that Humphrey’s choice to pose for a photo was harmless and that the backlash was overblown.
"Why does it matter? I'm telling the world now… as soon as I see Trump… I’m taking a photo with him," Bryant wrote.
Beyond the controversy, Humphrey expressed optimism about the economic boost the shipyard could bring to Sparrows Point and surrounding neighborhoods. He noted that as an investor in local property, he welcomed the prospect of a stronger regional economy.
Construction of Arsenal‑2 is slated to begin later this year, with Anduril Industries and federal partners expected to fund the project through a series of appropriations. The development is positioned to revitalize Baltimore’s industrial base while drawing national attention to the city’s emerging role in advanced defense manufacturing.
As the shipyard breaks ground, the focus will shift from political debate to the tangible impact on jobs, local businesses, and the nation’s submarine capabilities.
