John Phelan

Stories

Trump's golden fleet: the battleship returns

As of May 2026: Leading Golden Fleet implementation

Trump just announced the United States will build battleships again. The USS Defiant (BBG-1)—lead ship of the Trump-class—will be the largest American surface combatant since World War II at 35,000 tons, armed with nuclear cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons, rail guns, and lasers. Construction starts in 2030, and the Navy wants 20 to 25 ships at over $10 billion each.

Updated May 16

Notable Quotes

The largest, deadliest and most versatile and best-looking warship anywhere on the world's oceans.

from Trump's golden fleet: the battleship returns · Updated May 16

Not only is the president's idea a good one, it's something the Navy desperately needs and now has a formal requirement for.

from Trump's golden fleet: the battleship returns · Updated May 16

The Iowa was designed to go on the attack with the biggest guns, and that's exactly what will define the Trump-class battleships: offensive firepower from the biggest guns of our era.

from Trump's golden fleet: the battleship returns · Updated May 16