Former President Donald Trump has proposed a significant expansion of the U.S. navy, unveiling plans for a new class of battleships he claims will be the largest and most powerful ever constructed. The proposal, revealed February 22, envisions a “Golden Fleet” meant to reassert American naval dominance amid growing competition from nations like China [[2]]. Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro indicated the program would leverage manufacturing capabilities across the country, with the lead ship, the USS *Defiant*, setting the standard for future vessels [[1]].
Former U.S. President Donald Trump (center) on February 22 in Palm Beach, Florida. REUTERS/Jessica Koscielniak
PALM BEACH, Fla. — Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on February 22 plans to begin construction of a new class of battleships, which he described as the largest and fastest ever built, boasting firepower “100 times” greater than existing vessels. The initiative, part of Trump’s vision for a “Golden Fleet,” aims to bolster U.S. naval dominance.
According to Trump, the project will initially involve the construction of two ships, with a long-term goal of expanding the fleet to between 20 and 25 vessels.
Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro stated that the planned shipbuilding program would ultimately result in “the largest combined tonnage and firepower in the history of naval vessels.” He added that components for the ships would be manufactured across various U.S. states.
Del Toro further explained that the new battleships will be equipped with the “largest guns” ever mounted on a U.S. Navy ship, as well as nuclear-capable sea-launched cruise missiles. The first of the new class will be named the USS Defiant.
Trump also noted that the Golden Fleet concept extends beyond the new battleship class, encompassing other types of warships, including a previously announced class of smaller, more agile frigates.
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The announcement of a potential new class of battleships comes as global naval power dynamics continue to shift, with increasing attention focused on the modernization of fleets in countries like China. This ambitious plan, if realized, would represent a significant investment in U.S. naval capabilities and a clear signal of intent regarding maintaining a dominant presence on the world’s oceans.
