Trump Introduces a Brand-New Class of “Golden Fleet” Battleships Bearing His Name

Pitching the initiative as a revival of American naval power and a return to large-scale shipbuilding, US President Donald Trump announced plans on Monday to construct a new Trump-class of enormous, heavily armed battleships as part of what he called the “Golden Fleet.”

Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump said he had authorized the immediate construction of two new battleships, adding that the fleet could eventually expand to between 20 and 25 vessels. He claimed the ships would be larger, faster, and “100 times more powerful than any battleship ever built.”

Standing alongside Secretary of State marco rubio, War Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Navy Secretary John Phelan, Trump said, “As you know, we’re desperately in need of ships. A few of our ships are outdated, worn out, and old.”

BATTLESHIPS FOR TRUMP CLASS: According to Trump, the Trump-class battleships will be built entirely in the United States and will be the fastest, largest, and deadliest surface combatants ever constructed.

Behind the president were concept drawings of the new Trump-class vessels, including one named USS Defiant. Trump said the US Navy plans to deliver the first two ships within two and a half years.

Nuclear-Capable, Heavily Armed Ships

Trump stated that the battleships would serve as flagship vessels for the US Navy and would displace between 30,000 and 40,000 tons. He said the ships would combine missile systems with traditional naval guns, arguing that gun-based firepower could achieve combat effects at a fraction of the cost of missiles.

“We haven’t built a battleship since 1994,” Trump said. “Aside from our submarines, these state-of-the-art ships will be among the deadliest surface warfare vessels ever deployed.”

Despite heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific, Trump denied that the project was aimed specifically at china.

“It’s a counter to everybody,” Trump said. “It’s not China. We have excellent relations with China. President Xi and I get along quite well. All we want is strength to maintain peace.”

Trump added that the Golden Fleet would complement existing naval modernization efforts, including a smaller and more agile frigate class previously announced by the Navy.

“These are the biggest, fastest, and best ships in the world,” he said. “We’re entering a Golden Fleet era.”

The former president also emphasized increased oversight of defense contractors, calling for faster production timelines and lower costs.

He said he plans to meet senior executives from major defense companies next week to examine whether CEO compensation, share buybacks, and dividend policies are affecting production targets, and to confront companies over delays and cost overruns.

Trump and Pentagon officials have repeatedly criticized the defense industry in recent months, arguing that high costs and slow manufacturing have hampered military readiness. They have promised sweeping reforms to accelerate production and improve flexibility in weapons manufacturing.