Trump Unveils The Gold Fleet
President Donald Trump announced Monday that the United States Navy will move forward with a new class of heavily armed warships as part of a broader naval expansion effort known as the “Golden Fleet.”
The announcement marks a significant step in the administration’s push to rebuild American military strength and modernize the Navy’s surface fleet.
Advanced Warships Designed for Modern Threats
According to the president, the Navy has received approval to begin construction on two next-generation battleships engineered to deliver unmatched firepower and durability. The vessels are expected to feature a combination of traditional naval guns, advanced missile systems, hypersonic weapons, and emerging directed-energy laser technology.
Trump emphasized that the ships will be built with all-steel construction, a design choice he said prioritizes strength and survivability over lighter materials used in some recent naval vessels.
“They’re being built to last,” Trump said, stressing reliability and combat readiness.
Construction Timeline and Strategic Purpose
The president estimated that the new warships could be completed in approximately two and a half years, calling the schedule ambitious but achievable with proper oversight.
When asked whether the ships were intended to counter China, Trump said the goal was broader deterrence.
“They’re meant to counter anybody,” he said, emphasizing global readiness rather than targeting a single nation.
Largest and Most Powerful Fleet Additions in Decades
Speaking at a public appearance at Mar-a-Lago, Trump said the new vessels would represent a historic leap in naval capability.
“They’ll be the biggest, the fastest, and far more powerful than anything we’ve ever built,” the president said.
The battleships are expected to displace more than 30,000 tons each and will form the core of the Golden Fleet initiative. Defense planners anticipate deploying 20 to 25 ships over time as part of a long-term effort to strengthen the United States Navy and maintain global sea control.
USS Defiant to Lead the New Class
The first vessel in the new class—informally referred to by officials as the Trump-class—will be named USS Defiant. Navy leadership has indicated the ship will be capable of carrying sea-launched cruise missile systems, adding to America’s strategic deterrence capabilities.
Officials described the ship as a major upgrade over existing surface combatants, offering expanded mission flexibility and enhanced defensive systems.
Navy Leaders Cite Growing Fleet Shortfalls
The announcement follows recent comments from Navy leadership acknowledging that the U.S. fleet is operating below required levels, particularly in small surface combatants needed to protect larger warships.
The Navy has also confirmed plans to commission a new class of frigates under the Golden Fleet program, designed to defend carrier groups and major surface vessels from aircraft and surface threats.
Military leaders have warned that rebuilding naval capacity is essential to keeping pace with global challenges and ensuring freedom of navigation worldwide.
“Peace Through Strength” Strategy
Supporters of the initiative argue that expanding the Navy sends a clear signal of deterrence while reinforcing America’s commitment to national defense, shipbuilding, and maritime security.
The administration has repeatedly framed the Golden Fleet as part of a broader peace-through-strength strategy—aimed at preventing conflict by ensuring U.S. forces remain unmatched on the world’s oceans.
