U.S. Navy to Develop 'Trump-Class' Battleships Equipped with Advanced Weaponry

President Donald Trump has unveiled plans for the U.S. Navy to develop a new class of battleships, termed the 'Trump-class,' as part of the broader 'Golden Fleet' initiative aimed at enhancing American naval capabilities. The announcement was made at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, with key defense officials in attendance.

The inaugural vessel, the USS Defiant, is projected to be larger and more powerful than previous U.S. battleships. Navy Secretary John Phelan described it as 'the largest, deadliest and most versatile warship anywhere on the world’s oceans.' The ship is expected to be equipped with advanced technologies, including hypersonic missiles, nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missiles, electronic railguns, and high-powered lasers.

President Trump emphasized the strategic importance of these ships, stating, 'We envision that these ships will be the first of a whole new class of battleships to be produced in the years to come.' He indicated an eventual goal of commissioning 20 to 25 such vessels.

The Navy is tasked with leading the design of the new battleships, with construction expected to commence in the early 2030s. President Trump noted his personal involvement in the design process, citing his interest in aesthetics.

This initiative marks a significant shift in U.S. naval strategy, reintroducing battleships into active service for the first time since their decommissioning in the 1990s. The move underscores a renewed focus on maritime strength and technological advancement within the U.S. Navy.