In a significant announcement at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, President Donald Trump has revealed an ambitious plan to develop a new, large warship, which he is referring to as a “battleship.” This initiative is part of a broader vision to establish a “Golden Fleet” for the U.S. Navy. According to Trump, these new vessels will be “the fastest, the biggest, and by far 100 times more powerful than any battleship ever built.”
Trump's proposed battleship is set to exceed the dimensions of the iconic Iowa-class battleships from World War II. The new warship will reportedly be equipped with cutting-edge technology, including hypersonic missiles, rail guns, and high-powered lasers. These advanced armaments are still under development by the Navy, highlighting the administration's focus on modernizing naval capabilities.
Just a month prior to this announcement, the Navy had to abandon its plans to construct a new, smaller warship due to escalating delays and cost overruns. Instead, they opted for a modified version of a Coast Guard cutter, indicating ongoing challenges in shipbuilding. The Navy has faced difficulties in delivering other newly designed vessels, such as the Ford-class aircraft carrier and Columbia-class submarines, on schedule and within budget.
Historically, the term "battleship" refers to a specific type of naval vessel—large, heavily armored ships armed with formidable guns designed for engaging other ships and targeting land installations. These vessels reached their peak during World War II, with the Iowa-class battleships weighing approximately 60,000 tons. However, following the war, the role of battleships in naval fleets diminished rapidly, giving way to aircraft carriers and long-range missile systems.
President Trump has consistently expressed strong opinions regarding various aspects of the Navy's fleet. He has shown a preference for utilizing older technology rather than embracing modernization. For example, during his first term, he advocated for the reinstatement of steam-powered catapults for launching jets from aircraft carriers, rejecting the more modern electromagnetic systems. In addition, he has voiced concerns to Navy officials about the appearance of destroyers and the issue of rust on naval ships.
Trump's involvement in naval design decisions extends back to his visit to a shipyard in 2020, where he criticized the aesthetics of the canceled Constellation-class frigate. “I looked at it, I said, ‘That’s a terrible-looking ship, let’s make it beautiful,’” he remarked at that time. Recently, he reiterated his intention to play a direct role in the design of the new warship, stating, “The U.S. Navy will lead the design of these ships along with me, because I’m a very aesthetic person.”
As President Trump pushes forward with his vision for a new battleship as part of the “Golden Fleet,” the implications for the future of naval warfare and the U.S. Navy's shipbuilding strategy remain to be seen. With a focus on speed, size, and advanced weaponry, this initiative aims to redefine the capabilities of the Navy in the modern era.