The Golden Fleet is a massive naval modernization initiative announced by President Donald Trump on December 23, 2025. The centerpiece of this program is the Trump-class Battleship, a new generation of heavily armored surface combatants designed to assert American naval dominance through "aesthetic power and overwhelming force."
Specifications of the Trump-class
During the official unveiling, the administration described these vessels as "the most powerful warships ever built," claiming they are 100 times more powerful than any previous battleship.
- Weaponry: The ships are designed to carry a "state-of-the-art" arsenal, including:
- Hypersonic Missiles: Capable of striking targets at speeds exceeding Mach 5.
- Electric Railguns: Using electromagnetic force to launch projectiles at extreme velocities without the use of gunpowder.
- High-Powered Lasers: Directed-energy weapons for point-defense against drones and incoming missiles.
- Fleet Size: The administration has set a goal of building up to 25 battleships.
- Design Philosophy: The President noted his personal involvement in the design process, emphasizing an "aesthetic" that inspires fear in adversaries.
Strategic Context and Controversy
The Golden Fleet is being built to counter perceived threats in the Caribbean (Venezuela) and the South China Sea. However, the program has faced immediate scrutiny:
- Cost: Retired naval admirals estimate the lead ship of the class could cost upwards of $10 billion.
- Strategic Utility: Critics argue that large, expensive surface ships are "sitting ducks" for modern swarm-drone tactics and that the Navy should instead prioritize smaller, unmanned vessels.
- Lead Agency: The U.S. Navy will lead the project, with significant input from the newly formed federal design oversight committees.