Trump Announces 'Golden Fleet' Initiative for U.S. Navy
Former President Donald Trump has announced a plan for the U.S. Navy to develop a new class of large warships, which he refers to as "battleships," as part of a broader vision he calls the "Golden Fleet." The announcement was made during an event at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.
Proposed Warship Specifications
Trump stated that the vessels would be "the fastest, the biggest, and by far 100 times more powerful than any battleship ever built." The first ship in this class is slated to be named the USS Defiant. According to the proposal, these ships are intended to be larger and longer than the World War II-era Iowa-class battleships. They are expected to incorporate advanced technologies such as hypersonic missiles, nuclear cruise missiles, rail guns, and high-powered lasers, all of which are currently in various stages of development by the Navy.
A newly established website for the "Golden Fleet" indicates that these "guided missile battleships" would be comparable in length to Iowa-class vessels but would have significantly less displacement, estimated at around 35,000 tons. Crew sizes are projected to be between 650 and 850 sailors. The primary armament for these ships would be missiles rather than traditional large naval guns.
Development Context and Challenges
This announcement follows recent developments within the Navy, including the cancellation of plans for a new small warship due to delays and cost overruns. The Navy subsequently opted for a modified version of a Coast Guard cutter. Other ongoing shipbuilding programs, such as the Ford-class aircraft carriers and Columbia-class submarines, have also experienced schedule and budget challenges.
The integration of some proposed technologies for the new "battleships" has faced previous hurdles. The Navy discontinued its railgun development effort in 2021 after more than 15 years and hundreds of millions of dollars in investment. While laser technology has seen limited deployment on Navy ships, with one system designed to counter drone sensors now aboard eight destroyers after an eight-year development period, broader application remains in progress. The deployment of nuclear cruise missiles on ships could also raise concerns regarding non-proliferation treaties signed by the United States and Russia.
An anonymous U.S. official, discussing ongoing plans, confirmed that design efforts for the new ship are underway, with construction projected to commence in the early 2030s.
Historical Context and Design Input
Historically, the term "battleship" referred to a specific type of large, heavily armored warship equipped with substantial guns for engaging other vessels or shore targets. These ships were most prominent during World War II, with the U.S. Navy's Iowa-class battleships weighing approximately 60,000 tons. Following World War II, the role of battleships declined in favor of aircraft carriers and long-range missile systems. Although four Iowa-class battleships were modernized in the 1980s with cruise missiles and modern radars, all were decommissioned by the 1990s.
Donald Trump has previously expressed opinions on Navy fleet design. During his first presidential term, he advocated for the use of steam-powered catapults on new aircraft carriers over the more modern electromagnetic systems. He has also commented on the appearance of Navy destroyers and instances of rust on Navy ships, with Navy Secretary John Phelan reporting late-night text messages from Trump regarding these matters. In 2020, Trump stated he personally influenced the design of the now-canceled Constellation-class frigate, saying, "I looked at it, I said, 'That's a terrible-looking ship, let's make it beautiful.'" Trump indicated on Monday that he plans to have a direct role in the design of the new warship, stating, "The U.S. Navy will lead the design of these ships along with me, because I'm a very aesthetic person."
Navy Secretary John Phelan commented that the new USS Defiant is intended to "inspire awe and reverence for the American flag whenever it pulls into a foreign port."