In a move signalling an unusually direct presidential hand in military design, former US President Donald Trump has announced ambitious plans for a new class of US Navy warships that will bear his name. The proposed "Trump-class" battleships are envisioned as the centrepiece of a futuristic naval force he calls the "Golden Fleet."
What Are the Proposed Trump-Class Battleships?
Trump described the new vessels as a modern revival of the battleship concept, claiming they would be "100 times more powerful" than existing warships. According to details from a newly created website for the Golden Fleet, the planned guided missile battleship would be roughly the size of the historic Iowa-class but significantly lighter, weighing around 35,000 tonnes compared to 60,000 tonnes.
Crew size would be far smaller, requiring only between 650 and 850 sailors. Unlike traditional battleships, the armament would focus on missiles rather than large-calibre guns. The first ship in this class is expected to be named the USS Defiant.
AI, Nuclear Arms, and the Drive for Naval Dominance
Trump placed special emphasis on cutting-edge technology, stating that artificial intelligence would be a "big factor" in the design and operation of these ships, though specific applications were not detailed. He also stated the battleships would carry the "biggest guns" ever on a US warship and would be equipped with nuclear-armed, sea-launched cruise missiles.
This latter capability could pose diplomatic challenges, as deploying nuclear cruise missiles on surface ships may conflict with existing non-proliferation agreements between the US and Russia. Trump framed the entire programme as essential to reasserting US naval dominance, claiming it would result in "more tonnage and firepower under construction than at any time in history." Navy Secretary John Phelan supported this, noting components would be manufactured across all 50 states.
Timeline, Challenges, and a Push for Speed
According to a US official speaking anonymously to The Associated Press, design work is already underway, with construction expected to begin in the early 2030s. The plan is to start by building two ships, with a long-term objective of acquiring between 20 and 25 vessels.
Trump made clear that speed is a priority, criticizing current production rates and stating he would meet defence contractors in Florida to push for faster timelines. He warned of penalizing companies that "aren't doing a good job." This push comes amid a backdrop of persistent delays and cost overruns in other major US Navy programmes, like the Ford-class aircraft carriers and Columbia-class submarines.
The announcement represents a bold, personal stamp on US defence strategy, aiming to bring a bygone class of warship into the age of artificial intelligence and great power competition.
