President Donald Trump has announced plans to launch a new “Trump-class” of battleships, unveiling an ambitious naval expansion programme aimed at reinforcing United States maritime dominance.
Speaking on Monday, Trump said the new class of warships would be larger, faster and “100 times more powerful” than any previously built, forming the backbone of what he described as an expanded “Golden Fleet.” The programme is expected to begin with the construction of two vessels, with long-term plans to scale up to between 20 and 25 ships.
US Navy Secretary John Phelan said the initiative would result in “more tonnage and firepower under construction than at any time in history,” underscoring the scale of the proposed build-out. He added that production would involve components manufactured across all 50 US states, positioning the programme as both a defence and industrial project.
According to Phelan, the new battleships will carry the largest guns ever installed on a US naval vessel and will also be equipped with nuclear-armed, sea-launched cruise missiles. The first ship in the class is to be christened the USS Defiant.
Beyond the battleship programme, Trump said the Golden Fleet vision also includes expanding other categories of naval vessels. This would involve increasing the number of smaller, more agile frigates, a class previously announced by the US Navy as part of its modernisation efforts.
The announcement signals a renewed emphasis on naval power as a cornerstone of US military strategy, with the administration framing the initiative as essential to maintaining global maritime superiority.
Melissa Enoch
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