President Trump Unveils Plans for New Navy 'Battleship' in 'Golden Fleet' Initiative

President Donald Trump has announced plans for the U.S. Navy to build a new class of large warships, termed 'battleships,' as part of the 'Golden Fleet' initiative. The first vessel, to be named USS Defiant, is projected to surpass the size of World War II-era Iowa-class battleships and will be equipped with advanced weaponry, including hypersonic missiles, nuclear cruise missiles, rail guns, and high-powered lasers.

During the announcement at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump stated, "They'll be the fastest, the biggest, and by far 100 times more powerful than any battleship ever built."

The proposed USS Defiant is expected to weigh approximately 35,000 tons—about half the weight of an Iowa-class battleship—and operate with a crew of 650 to 850 sailors. Unlike traditional battleships, its primary armament will focus on missiles rather than large naval guns.

This announcement follows the Navy's recent decision to cancel plans for a new small warship due to delays and cost overruns, opting instead for a modified version of a Coast Guard cutter. The Navy has also faced challenges in developing some of the advanced technologies slated for the new ship. For instance, the railgun project was abandoned in 2021 after significant investment and development time.

Design efforts for the USS Defiant are currently underway, with construction planned to begin in the early 203 ... Both President Trump and Navy Secretary John P ... have described the new warship as a spiritual successor ... 20th-century battleships, emphasizing its modern capabilities and design.

President Trump has expressed a personal interest in the design process, stating, "The U.S. Navy will lead the design of these ships along with me, because I'm a very aesthetic person."

Navy Secretary Phelan added that the USS Defiant "will inspire awe and reverence for the American flag whenever it pulls into a foreign port."