Trump Unveils Plans for New 'Trump-Class' Navy Battleships

President Trump has announced plans for a new fleet of navy battleships, termed the 'Trump-class,' as part of a broader initiative called the 'Golden Fleet.' Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump described these battleships as the largest and most powerful in history, claiming they would be equipped with advanced weaponry including hypersonic missiles, nuclear cruise missiles, rail guns, and high-powered lasers, as reported by NPR and CBS News.

The first ship, named USS Defiant, is slated to begin construction in the early 2030s, with Trump stating a goal of building 20 to 25 ships in total. Navy Secretary John Phelan supported this vision, emphasizing the ships' capabilities and their design as a modern successor to older Iowa-class battleships.

However, analysts are skeptical about the viability of incorporating such advanced technologies, pointing out the Navy's past struggles with similar projects like the railgun, which was abandoned in 2021 after years of development, according to NPR.

Furthermore, the announcement comes amid ongoing discussions about the need for modernization within the Navy, which has faced delays and budget overruns in recent shipbuilding efforts. Critics have noted that Trump's push for battleships reflects a nostalgic view of naval warfare, even as the role of such vessels has diminished in favor of aircraft carriers and missile technology, as highlighted by The Guardian and The New York Times.

Despite these challenges, Trump remains adamant that the new fleet will restore American military superiority and bolster the shipbuilding industry, asserting that it will serve as a deterrent to potential adversaries, although he downplayed any specific focus on China during his announcement.