WASHINGTON, May 20 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump is set to unveil significant advancements regarding the ambitious Golden Dome missile defense shield this Tuesday, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the matter. During this pivotal announcement, the vice chief of space operations from the United States Space Force, General Michael Guetlein, is anticipated to be named the lead program manager for this multibillion-dollar initiative, which is regarded as a cornerstone of Trump's military strategy.
The White House has confirmed that Trump will address the nation at 3 p.m. ET (1900 GMT), joined by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The Golden Dome missile defense shield, a project first initiated by Trump in January, aims to establish a comprehensive network of satellites designed to detect, track, and potentially intercept incoming missile threats. This ambitious defense project could involve deploying hundreds of satellites dedicated to missile detection and tracking capabilities.
Estimated to cost tens of billions of dollars, the Golden Dome initiative is expected to take several years to fully implement. However, the program is currently facing political scrutiny and significant funding uncertainties. Republican lawmakers have proposed an initial investment of $25 billion for the Golden Dome as a component of a broader $150 billion defense package. Yet, this funding is contingent upon a contentious reconciliation bill that is encountering considerable obstacles in Congress. If the reconciliation does not pass, there is a risk that the necessary funds for the Golden Dome missile defense shield may not be secured, potentially jeopardizing the entire project timeline.
The concept behind the Golden Dome was influenced by Israel's land-based Iron Dome defense shield, which is designed to protect against missile threats. However, Trump's Golden Dome is envisioned as a much more expansive system that will incorporate a vast network of surveillance satellites, alongside a distinct fleet of offensive satellites capable of neutralizing incoming missiles shortly after their launch.
In an intriguing twist, the consortium led by SpaceX has proposed a unique subscription service model for their segment of the Golden Dome system. This model suggests that the government would pay for access to the technology rather than owning it outright, raising concerns among some Pentagon officials about potential long-term costs and control over the system.
Amid these developments, a coalition of 42 Democratic lawmakers, spearheaded by Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Greg Casar, has called for an investigation into Elon Musk's role in the bidding process for the Golden Dome. They cite Musk's position as a special adviser to Trump, along with his substantial campaign contributions exceeding $250 million, as factors warranting scrutiny.
This situation continues to evolve as officials and lawmakers grapple with the complexities surrounding the Golden Dome missile defense shield. With funding and political dynamics at play, the path forward for this ambitious defense initiative remains uncertain.
Reporting by Mike Stone and Doina Chiacu in Washington; Editing by Mark Porter and Howard Goller. Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Mike Stone is a Reuters reporter focusing on the U.S. arms trade and defense industry, with recent attention on how the war in Ukraine has reshaped military strategies and industry responses. A New Yorker, Mike has reported extensively on U.S. support for Ukraine, detailing the impact of decisions and milestones on the battlefield. Prior to his time in Washington, Mike covered mergers and acquisitions across various sectors, including oil and gas, finance, defense, consumer products, retail, real estate, and telecommunications.
