President Donald Trump announced plans to launch a new generation of Navy battleships as part of what he called the Pentagon’s “Golden Fleet,” beginning with two vessels and potentially expanding to 20–25 ships. Speaking at Mar-a-Lago alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Navy Secretary John Phelan, Trump said the ships would be the largest battleships ever built.
The proposed “Trump-class” vessels — including one to be named the U.S.S. Defiant — were described as a modernized version of the historic Iowa-class battleship. Phelan called the effort a “generational investment,” saying the ships would lead battle groups and coordinate assets ranging from traditional warships to drones.
Trump argued the U.S. urgently needs to modernize its aging fleet and strengthen domestic shipbuilding capacity. He estimated the first ships could be completed within about two and a half years. Phelan also recently outlined plans for a new American-built frigate class, targeting a 2028 launch.
Asked whether the expansion is aimed at China, Trump said it is meant as a broad deterrent. The announcement comes as the administration increases naval operations in Latin America amid tensions with Venezuela and its president, Nicolás Maduro, including maritime seizures tied to U.S. enforcement actions.
Source: CBS News
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