San Diego, CA, December 23, 2025
President Donald Trump has announced plans for a groundbreaking class of U.S. Navy warships named the ‘Trump-class’, aiming to create a powerful ‘Golden Fleet’. These advanced battleships, surpassing the World War II-era Iowa-class in speed and power, will include innovative technologies like hypersonic missiles and railguns. With 20 to 25 vessels planned, the initiative marks a notable shift in naval strategy, drawing both support and criticism regarding budget feasibility and naval warfare evolution.
San Diego, CA – President Donald Trump has introduced plans for a revolutionary class of U.S. Navy warships, designated as the “Trump-class.” This move is part of a broader initiative aimed at establishing a “Golden Fleet” for the Navy, significantly elevating the capabilities of America’s maritime forces. These advanced battleships are expected to exceed the famed World War II-era Iowa-class battleships in speed, size, and power.
The inaugural vessel, the USS Defiant, is set to weigh between 30,000 to 40,000 tons and will feature state-of-the-art technologies such as hypersonic missiles, nuclear cruise missiles, railguns, and high-powered lasers. These innovations are intended to bolster the Navy’s offensive and defensive abilities, though some of the included technologies remain in development, which could lead to operational challenges.
The Trump administration has underscored the strategic relevance of these new ships, asserting that they will function as the flagships of the American Naval Fleet, enhancing the country’s influence within global maritime operations. A total of 20 to 25 of these vessels are planned for construction, with the first two expected to commence building in the early 2030s. This initiative marks a shift in the Navy’s shipbuilding strategy, which will now focus on larger warships in response to previous budget overruns and delays.
The announcement of the Trump-class has ignited a debate regarding the practical implications and financial viability of reintroducing large battleships to the modern Navy. Critics are raising concerns that the extensive investment required may not align with the evolving landscape of naval warfare, which increasingly values agility and innovative technology over conventional size and firepower.
As the Navy proceeds with this ambitious initiative, it will be intriguing to observe how these new vessels will reshape naval dominance and influence the future conduct of maritime conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the “Trump-class” battleships?
The “Trump-class” battleships are a new class of U.S. Navy warships announced by President Donald Trump, designed to be the fastest, largest, and most powerful battleships ever constructed, surpassing the capabilities of World War II-era Iowa-class battleships.
What technologies will the USS Defiant be equipped with?
The USS Defiant is projected to be equipped with hypersonic missiles, nuclear cruise missiles, railguns, and high-powered lasers, aiming to enhance the Navy’s offensive and defensive capabilities.
How many “Trump-class” battleships does the administration plan to build?
The administration envisions constructing a total of 20 to 25 “Trump-class” battleships, with the first two ships slated to begin construction in the early 2030s.
What prompted the Navy to modify its shipbuilding plans?
The Navy’s decision to modify its shipbuilding plans, opting for a new class of larger warships instead of smaller ones, was in response to previous delays and budget overruns.
What are the potential concerns regarding the “Trump-class” battleships?
Critics question the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of reintroducing battleships into the modern naval fleet, considering the substantial investment required and the alignment with contemporary naval warfare strategies that prioritize agility and technological innovation over sheer size and firepower.
Key Features of the “Trump-class” Battleships
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 30,000 to 40,000 tons |
| Armament | Hypersonic missiles, nuclear cruise missiles, railguns, high-powered lasers |
| Construction Start | Early 2030s |
| Total Planned Ships | 20 to 25 |
| Primary Role | Flagships of the American Naval Fleet |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
