Trump Unveils Next-Generation Battleship Plan in “Golden Fleet” Initiative

President Donald Trump was set to announce Monday plans for a new U.S. Navy warship he has described as a battleship, part of his broader initiative known as the Golden Fleet. According to officials familiar with the planning, the announcement would include War Secretary Pete Hegseth and Navy Secretary John Phelan, signaling the administration’s intent to prioritize shipbuilding and fleet expansion as a central national security focus.

The proposed vessel, designated the USS Defiant in preliminary discussions, is expected to be the first of a new class of surface combatants the president has labeled “Trump-class ships.” These vessels are designed to surpass the Navy’s existing Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in size and capability, displacing approximately 30,000 tons. The ships will incorporate advanced technologies including electromagnetic rail guns, directed-energy laser weapons, and expanded long-range missile capacity, with room for future integration of hypersonic systems.

Administration officials describe the Trump-class ships as the cornerstone of the president’s vision for a more powerful and visually imposing fleet. This initiative follows recent Navy decisions to abandon its troubled Constellation-class frigate program and pivot toward cost-efficient alternatives based on Coast Guard cutters—a shift aimed at addressing budget concerns amid rising global threats, particularly from China.

Trump has repeatedly criticized the appearance and condition of existing U.S. warships, calling them “terrible-looking” and highlighting public complaints about rust and maintenance issues. Critics, including retired Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, argue that such ships would cost at least $5 billion per unit and offer limited tactical value against modern threats like China’s naval capabilities. They contend the vessels lack critical features such as vertical launch systems and integrated Aegis missile defense, while supporters emphasize the need to counter Beijing’s growing naval presence through industrial shipbuilding capacity.

Under the plan, the Navy would launch a competitive bidding process for shipbuilders, with the first hull expected to enter procurement around 2030. Any final decisions require congressional approval and sustained funding. White House officials confirmed the announcement remains on track as the administration prepares for potential new debates over naval strategy.