US President Donald Trump has announced an ambitious plan to revive American naval dominance with the creation of a new class of heavily armed battleships named after himself. The announcement was made from Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, where he introduced what he called the Golden Fleet, a sweeping initiative aimed at modernising and expanding the US Navy through large-scale shipbuilding.
According to Trump, the newly proposed Trump-class battleships will be among the most powerful surface warfare vessels ever constructed. He said he has already approved the immediate construction of two ships, with long-term plans to build between 20 and 25 such vessels. Trump claimed the ships would be larger, faster, and significantly more powerful than any previous battleships, positioning them as the future flagships of the US Navy.
Standing alongside senior administration and defence officials, Trump argued that the US urgently needs new ships, citing ageing and obsolete naval assets. He emphasised that the Golden Fleet initiative is designed to restore strength, readiness, and deterrence at sea while reaffirming America’s role as a dominant naval power.
Trump said the Trump-class battleships would displace between 30,000 and 40,000 tons and would be capable of carrying advanced missile systems along with traditional naval guns. He highlighted the cost-effectiveness of gun-based firepower, arguing that it can deliver powerful combat results at a much lower cost compared to missile-only systems. He also confirmed that the vessels would be nuclear-capable, adding to their strategic significance.
The President rejected suggestions that the programme is aimed specifically at China, despite growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. He stated that the initiative is intended as a general deterrent, describing it as peace through strength rather than confrontation. Trump also referenced his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, saying the goal is stability backed by overwhelming capability.
Beyond battleships, Trump said the Golden Fleet plan would include expansion of other naval platforms, such as a smaller and more agile frigate class previously announced by the Navy. He described the broader initiative as a transformation of American sea power, promising the biggest, fastest, and most advanced ships in the world.
Trump added that the naval buildup would be accompanied by stricter oversight of defence contractors. He criticised delays and cost overruns within the defence industry and said he plans to meet senior executives from major defence firms to push for faster production and lower costs. He also signalled a review of executive compensation, share buybacks, and dividends to ensure they are not hindering defence manufacturing targets.
The Golden Fleet announcement has already sparked debate among defence analysts and lawmakers, with supporters viewing it as a bold revival of naval strength and critics questioning costs and feasibility. Regardless, Trump’s proposal has once again placed US military modernisation at the centre of national and global attention.
