Trump-Class Battleship: US President Donald Trump made a historic announcement from his Mar-a-Lago resort. He authorized the construction of two new massive battleships, inaugurating the ‘Golden Fleet’ for the US Navy. Most notably, these ships will be called the ‘Trump-class,’ and the first ship will be the USS Defiant. Trump proudly declared, “These will be the largest, fastest, and 100 times more powerful battleships ever built.” Trump made this announcement in the presence of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Navy Secretary John Fallon.
What is the ‘Golden Fleet’?
US President Donald Trump announced the ‘Golden Fleet’ at a press conference in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, on December 22, 2025. This is a new US Navy project to build massive battleships. Trump said, “These ships will be the fastest, largest, and 100 times more powerful than ever.” These will be the “Trump-class” battleships, even larger than the older Iowa-class ships.
Why are these battleships considered super dangerous?
These new ships will be even larger than the older Iowa-class, weighing 30,000 to 40,000 tons. They will be equipped with hypersonic missiles, nuclear-armed cruise missiles, laser weapons, railguns, and advanced targeting systems. Navy Secretary Fallon said, “The Trump-class USS Defiant will be the largest, most dangerous, and most versatile warship on the world’s oceans. It will control everything from drones to large warships.” These ships will elevate the US Navy’s power to new heights and deter enemies from afar.
Thousands of jobs and a boost to American industry!
Trump described this project as a game-changer for the military as well as the economy. American shipyards will be back in operation, creating thousands of new jobs and strengthening domestic production. He pressured defense companies to invest profits not in stock buybacks or bonuses, but in factories and machinery. “Construction will begin almost immediately, with the first ship ready in 2.5 years.”
Message to the world: Peace through strength!
Trump clarified that these ships are not for any one country (like China), but are a response to all challenges. “We have a good relationship with China, but this peace will come through strength. Hopefully, we never have to use it.” This move comes amid concerns about China’s growing navy and the weakness of American shipyards.
The Old Legacy of Battleships: A New Beginning
Battleships were a symbol of American power during World War II, but in the era of missiles and submarines, they were replaced by aircraft carriers. The US hasn’t built any new battleships since 1990. Now, with Trump’s “Golden Fleet,” battleships are making a spectacular comeback, which could make the Navy a superpower again.