President Donald Trump announced ambitious plans on Monday to construct a fleet of new Navy battleships, unveiling what he termed the Pentagon’s “Golden Fleet.” Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump revealed that he has approved the construction of two battleships, touting them as “the largest we’ve ever built,” with expectations to scale up the fleet to between 20 and 25 ships over time.
Flanked by key administration officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump insisted that each ship would be a historic feat in naval engineering. “There’s never been anything like these ships,” he stated, emphasizing that the design process has been in the works since his first term when he questioned why the United States had stopped building battleships.
Highlighting the urgent need for modern naval capabilities, Trump lamented the aging condition of the current fleet, noting that many U.S. vessels have become “old and tired and obsolete.” His administration aims to address longstanding shipbuilding shortfalls and strengthen the nation’s maritime supply chain.
Secretary of the Navy John Phelan echoed Trump’s sentiments, stating that the proposed Trump-class battleship, known as the U.S.S. Defiant, will be an “updated version” of the Iowa-class battleship. Phelan described it as a “generational investment” that will enhance the Navy’s capabilities, enabling it to command both traditional warships and drone technology.
Regarding the strategic intent behind the new ships, Trump clarified that the fleet was not specifically designed to counter China, insisting, “We get along great with China,” but stated it would serve as a deterrent in various global contexts. He expressed hope that the ships would never be needed for combat.
The construction of the battleships is projected to take approximately two-and-a-half years. Phelan recently laid out plans for a new class of warship focused on American design and manufacturing, aiming for the first ship launch in 2028.
The announcement coincides with an increased U.S. naval presence in Latin America amidst rising tensions with Venezuela. The Trump administration has taken decisive actions, including the recent seizure of vessels linked to alleged illegal oil activities, as part of a broader strategy targeting drug trafficking networks operating from the region.
In a robust closing, Trump asserted that the U.S. is prepared for any challenges, boasting of a “massive armada” in South America and issuing a stern warning to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
As Trump spends the Christmas holiday at Mar-a-Lago, this announcement reflects a bold commitment to revitalizing the U.S. naval fleet while addressing global security challenges.