President Trump announced a sweeping new naval initiative Monday, unveiling plans for a “Golden Fleet” centered on a new class of battleships he claims will vastly outmatch historic warships in power and capability. Speaking from Mar-a-Lago with top military officials, the president said the first ships, called the Trump class, will begin construction immediately as part of an effort to expand U.S. maritime strength and deterrence.
In an address to national security leaders, President Trump described the Trump-class battleships as “100 times more powerful than any battleship ever built,” highlighting advanced weapons systems and heavy tonnage designed to dominate sea combat. The initiative would start with two vessels and scale as part of a broader fleet expansion.
The Trump class ships are planned to displace 30,000–40,000 tons, placing them among the largest surface combatants ever proposed. Naval officials say they will integrate a suite of future-oriented weaponry, including hypersonic missiles, electric rail guns, high-energy lasers, and nuclear-armed, sea-launched cruise missiles under development. Supporters say this mix of firepower and technology will address gaps in current shipbuilding and project strength globally.
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The first vessel announced is the USS Defiant, with plans to procure two ships initially. Navy Secretary John Phelan has described the procurement as unprecedented in scale and ambition. The broader “Golden Fleet” concept, according to defense officials, could ultimately include 20–25 battleship-class hulls alongside support ships, significantly expanding U.S. surface combatant capacity beyond current planning.
Administration leaders frame the announcement as a response to long-standing challenges in U.S. shipbuilding capacity, pointing to delays and industrial constraints facing aircraft carrier and submarine programs. President Trump tied the fleet buildup to a renewed defense industrial base, urging faster delivery timelines, greater manufacturing investment, and a national focus on maritime dominance amid rising global competition.
The announcement arrives as the U.S. increases pressure campaigns in strategic theaters, including the Caribbean Sea, where naval and Coast Guard operations have targeted sanction-evasion oil shipments. Pentagon officials joining the announcement highlighted the need to bolster sea power as part of broader defense postures.
Critics question the feasibility of the battleship concept given modern naval warfare trends and budgetary pressures. However, supporters argue that adding heavily armed surface combatants would diversify U.S. maritime force structure and deter adversaries with an unmistakable demonstration of strength.
This article originally appeared on American Faith and is reposted with permission.
