BREAKING: Trump Announces New Navy ‘Golden Fleet’ Warship Plan
President Donald J. Trump has unveiled a major initiative to expand the United States Navy with plans for a new class of large warships, which he is referring to as battleships, under a broader naval modernisation strategy he calls the “Golden Fleet.”
AP News
The announcement was made today at Mar-a-Lago, where Trump was joined by senior defence officials including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of the Navy John Phelan.
CBS News
According to officials familiar with the plans, the initiative will see the U.S. Navy build a series of new, large surface combatants — potentially dubbed “Trump-class” battleships — that are intended to serve as the centrepiece of the Golden Fleet concept.
Investing.com
What the ‘Golden Fleet’ Includes
• The core of the announcement involves building a new class of sizeable warships that Trump has labelled battleships — warships larger than current destroyers, envisioned to bring enhanced capabilities to the U.S. surface fleet.
• The programme is framed as part of an effort to strengthen American maritime dominance and invigorate the U.S. shipbuilding industry.
• Details remain limited on exact specifications, with Pentagon officials saying the plans will be refined in coming months and are expected to involve long-range weapons systems and advanced naval technologies.
Axios
bloomberg.com
Why It Matters
The United States Navy has faced criticism from Trump and allies for ageing fleets and delays in shipbuilding programmes. The Golden Fleet initiative aims to address those concerns by accelerating production and expanding capability, particularly in competition with foreign naval powers.
Axios
While traditional “battleships” were last seen in action in the mid-20th century and eventually retired due to changes in naval warfare, the proposed vessels under the Golden Fleet concept are being positioned as modern surface combatants with advanced weaponry — though critics argue that reviving battleship terminology may be symbolic rather than reflective of military doctrine.
AP News
Next Steps & Reactions
Officials say further details — including shipyard contracts, cost estimates, and timelines — will be announced in the coming weeks as the Pentagon and Navy finalise plans. The first of the new fleet’s vessels could take years to enter service, with analysts suggesting construction would extend into the next decade.
bloomberg.com
Political and defence observers are already debating the merits and feasibility of the Golden Fleet initiative, with some praising the boost to naval power and others questioning strategic priorities and budget implications.
Aaron Joyce
Newswire, L.T.T Media
Newsdesk
22 December 2025
