Trump Announces “Golden Fleet” Battleships to Strengthen U.S. Navy.
Former President Donald Trump has revealed plans to introduce a new class of heavily armed battleships, named the Trump-class “Golden Fleet,” in an effort to expand and modernize the U.S. Navy. The first ship, USS Defiant, is expected to begin construction soon, with Trump projecting it will be ready for service in roughly two-and-a-half years.
Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump was joined by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of the Navy John Phelan. He described the fleet as “the fastest, the largest, and far more powerful than any battleship ever built.”
The initiative starts with two battleships, but Trump hopes to expand the fleet to 25 vessels over time. Each ship is planned to carry hypersonic and advanced weapons, making them central assets in the Navy’s operational strategy. All construction will be completed in the United States, with officials highlighting the potential for thousands of American jobs.
According to Secretary Phelan, the president specifically requested a “big, beautiful” battleship-type design. The broader expansion plan also includes manned and unmanned vessels, support ships, and transport ships to enhance the Navy’s overall capabilities.
Context and Naval Challenges.
This announcement follows a December 19 unveiling of new vessels inspired by the Coast Guard’s Legend-class National Security Cutter. Chief of Naval Operations Daryl Caudle noted the Navy’s shortage of small surface combatants, saying, “Our small surface combatant inventory is only a third of what we need. We require more capable blue-water ships to allow our destroyers to focus on high-end operations.”
Previous naval initiatives, such as the Constellatio-class frigate from Trump’s first term, were largely canceled due to delays and cost overruns. Only two ships were delivered, costing about $2 billion before the project was terminated in 2024.
U.S. shipbuilding has faced criticism for lagging behind China, which received over 60% of global shipbuilding orders in 2025 and operates the world’s largest navy. Trump has emphasized that reviving domestic ship production is a priority, stating in March: “We used to make so many ships. We don’t make them much anymore, but we’re going to make them very fast, very soon. It will have a huge impact.”
Trump has also pursued international cooperation, including an October agreement with Finland to acquire 11 Finnish-designed icebreakers, seven of which will be built in the U.S. with Finnish assistance.
Regional Tension.
The announcement comes amid heightened U.S. naval and air activity in the Caribbean, largely in response to tensions with Venezuela. Since September, U.S. forces have targeted vessels suspected of transporting illegal drugs, resulting in at least 100 deaths. Trump defended these operations, claiming they prevented dangerous drugs from reaching American communities, though critics have questioned the legality of some strikes.
The Trump-class “Golden Fleet” represents the former president’s effort to revitalize American naval power, boost domestic shipbuilding, and counter growing global maritime competition, particularly from China. The initiative combines advanced technology, domestic economic benefits, and strategic military objectives in one comprehensive plan.
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