President Donald Trump has announced that the US will commission a new series of heavily armed Navy battleships named the 'Trump Class USS Defiant' as part of a revamped 'Golden Fleet'. The initiative is aimed at expanding the US Navy and addressing concerns about American shipbuilding capacity, particularly in light of China's growing naval strength.
Construction on these battleships is expected to begin soon, with operational deployment projected in two-and-a-half years. Trump stated that this endeavor includes the building of larger missile-armed warships alongside smaller vessels to enhance naval capabilities.
At Mar-a-Lago, Trump, flanked by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighted plans to construct 25 new battleships, starting with two initial vessels. They are touted as being faster and more powerful than any previous ships built, featuring hypersonic and highly lethal weapons.
The construction of these vessels is expected to create thousands of jobs domestically. Trump emphasized the need for the US to catch up in shipbuilding, mentioning that currently, the United States lags behind China in capability. Therefore, this plan is also a strategic response to China's dominance, with over 60% of the world's shipbuilding orders this year going to Chinese shipyards.
In a recent interview, Secretary of the Navy John Phelan revealed Trump's desire for visually striking battleships, indicating a vision for not only military capability but also aesthetic appeal. This ambitious shipbuilding plan coincides with rising tensions in the Caribbean, where US naval forces have increased their presence amid alleged drug trafficking operations from Venezuela.
Trump's announcement follows his previous plans during his first term, which saw cost overruns and delays in shipbuilding projects. However, he has vowed to ensure that this new fleet surpasses previous efforts and meets modern combat requirements, thereby fortifying America’s maritime posture.
