Trump Unveils Plans for ‘Golden Fleet’ Battleships Named After Himself
President Donald Trump has announced a bold initiative to commission a new class of heavily armed Navy battleships—collectively referred to as the Golden Fleet—all bearing his name. This ambitious project aims to revitalize and enhance the U.S. Navy’s capabilities in the face of increasing global competition.
Key Highlights of the Golden Fleet Initiative
– New Ship Class: The Trump-class USS Defiant is set to lead the charge, with construction expected to commence shortly. The first ships are projected to be operational within two-and-a-half years.
– Expansion Plans: Trump has outlined a comprehensive expansion of the U.S. Navy, incorporating both manned and unmanned vessels. This includes larger missile-armed warships as well as smaller support and transport vessels.
– Response to Competition: U.S. officials have raised concerns about the country’s shipbuilding capacity, especially in comparison to China’s growing naval strength. A recent report noted that China accounted for over 60% of the world’s new ship orders this year.
– Job Creation: During a press event at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, flanked by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, Trump stated that the construction of these ships would create thousands of jobs across the nation.
Features of the Trump-Class Battleships
– Advanced Weaponry: Once completed, these vessels will be equipped with hypersonic and extremely lethal weapons, positioning them as the flagships of the U.S. Navy.
– Performance Assertions: Trump boldly claimed that the new battleships would be the fastest, the biggest, and by far, 100 times more powerful than any battleship ever built.
– Domestic Manufacturing: The President emphasized that all vessels in the Golden Fleet will be constructed domestically, thereby supporting the U.S. manufacturing sector.
Strategic Context
In a recent interview, Secretary Phelan highlighted that Trump had requested a big, beautiful battleship-type vessel as part of the Golden Fleet. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the need for more capable surface combatants, particularly as the U.S. faces increased maritime challenges internationally.
Previous Ventures and Future Outlook
Trump’s journey with naval projects is not without its hurdles. The Constellation-class frigate, approved during his first term, faced significant delays and budget overruns, leading to its cancellation in 2025. Only two ships were anticipated after spending around $2 billion on the project, raising concerns about the efficacy of past shipbuilding efforts.
Since returning to office in January, Trump has reiterated his commitment to rejuvenate the U.S. shipbuilding industry, declaring, We used to make so many ships. We don’t make them very much, but we’re going to make them very fast, very soon.”
Conclusion
The unveiling of the Golden Fleet initiative marks a significant step in President Trump’s efforts to bolster U.S. naval capabilities amidst escalating competition, particularly from China. As the construction of these battleships progresses, the impact on the U.S. economy and its defense posture will undoubtedly warrant close scrutiny. With Trump’s focus on job creation and advanced technology, the future of the U.S. Navy may very well be shaped by the legacy of the Golden Fleet.