Former U.S. President Donald J. Trump has unveiled an ambitious proposal to significantly expand and modernize the United States Navy through the development of a new generation of surface warships known as “Trump-class” battleships. The announcement, made during a public address at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, signals a bold vision aimed at restoring American naval dominance and reinforcing the country’s maritime power.
According to Trump, the initiative would begin with the immediate construction of two Trump-class battleships, with long-term plans to expand the fleet substantially. He stated that the program could eventually result in the production of 20 to 25 advanced battleships, forming the backbone of what he described as a renewed and strengthened U.S. naval force.
A New Era of Naval Power
Trump characterized the Trump-class battleships as the most powerful surface combatants ever built, claiming they would surpass historical battleships in size, speed, firepower, and technological sophistication. He emphasized that the vessels would symbolize American industrial strength, military innovation, and global leadership.
“These ships will be unmatched anywhere in the world,” Trump said. “They will protect American interests, deter adversaries, and ensure that the United States remains the world’s leading naval power.”
Defense official’s familiar with the proposal indicated that the Trump-class battleships would be designed to operate as flagship surface platforms, capable of leading naval task forces and projecting power across multiple domains.
Advanced Weapons and Cutting-Edge Technology
The Trump-class battleships are expected to feature a comprehensive suite of modern weapons and defense systems. Preliminary plans suggest the vessels could be equipped with hypersonic missiles, advanced cruise missiles, railgun technology, and directed-energy weapons such as lasers. These systems would provide the ships with long-range strike capability, enhanced missile defense, and improved survivability in contested environments.
In addition to offensive firepower, the ships would incorporate next-generation radar, electronic warfare systems, and integrated command-and-control technologies. This would allow the battleships to coordinate operations with aircraft carriers, submarines, unmanned systems, and allied naval forces.
Each vessel is projected to displace between 30,000 and 40,000 tons, placing them among the largest surface combatants in the U.S. Navy, though still smaller than aircraft carriers. Their design would prioritize endurance, speed, and flexibility, enabling sustained global operations.
Industrial and Economic Impact
Trump also highlighted the potential economic benefits of the program, emphasizing that construction would take place primarily in American shipyards using domestically produced materials and components. He argued that the initiative would create thousands of high-skilled jobs, revitalize the U.S. shipbuilding industry, and strengthen the nation’s defense manufacturing base.
Defense analysts note that such a large-scale naval construction program would require significant investment and long-term planning. While specific cost estimates have not been formally released, similar naval projects have historically involved multi-billion-dollar budgets spread over several decades.
Strategic Debate and Expert Reactions
The proposal has generated debate within defense and policy circles. Supporters argue that heavily armed surface combatants could play a valuable role in deterrence, sea control, and power projection, particularly in an era of increasing great-power competition. They contend that advanced battleships could complement aircraft carriers and submarines by providing persistent firepower and resilience in high-threat environments.
Critics, however, question whether modern battleships are strategically necessary, noting that contemporary naval warfare increasingly relies on submarines, airpower, and unmanned systems. Some analysts have raised concerns about vulnerability to advanced anti-ship missiles and the opportunity costs associated with such a large investment.
Timeline and Future Outlook
While the Trump-class battleship program remains in its early conceptual phase, officials have suggested that design and planning efforts could begin in the near term, with construction potentially starting in the early 2030s if the proposal receives political and budgetary approval.
Whether or not the plan moves forward, the announcement underscores Trump’s continued emphasis on military strength and naval expansion as central elements of U.S. national security strategy. The proposal has already reignited discussion about the future shape of the U.S. Navy and the role of large surface combatants in modern warfare.
As debates continue, the Trump-class battleship concept stands as one of the most ambitious and controversial naval proposals in recent history one that could reshape the trajectory of American maritime power for decades to come.
