US President Donald Trump unveils USS Defiant, a new ‘Golden Fleet’ battleship

President Donald Trump on Monday announced plans for a new Navy warship, the USS Defiant , as part of a broader “Golden Fleet” vision, promising a vessel “the fastest, the biggest, and by far 100 times more powerful than any battleship ever built .” The announcement was made at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

The USS Defiant is described as a guided missile “battleship” roughly the size of WWII-era Iowa-class ships but weighing about 35,000 tons, with a crew of 650–850 sailors. It is expected to carry hypersonic missiles, nuclear cruise missiles, railguns, and high-powered lasers , although many of these technologies remain in development or have faced past setbacks. Railgun programs, for instance, were abandoned in 2021 after more than 15 years and hundreds of millions of dollars due to technical challenges. Laser systems have been partially deployed on destroyers but remain limited in scope.

The announcement comes after the Navy scrapped plans for a small warship due to cost overruns and delays, highlighting concerns over whether the ambitious Defiant project can stay on schedule and within budget. Experts also note that deploying nuclear cruise missiles on ships may violate international non-proliferation treaties , potentially complicating diplomatic relations.

Trump and Navy Secretary John Phelan called the Defiant a spiritual successor to 20th-century battleships, blending symbolic prestige with modern missile-based firepower. Unlike traditional battleships, its primary weapons are missiles, not large naval guns . According to the Golden Fleet’s website, construction is planned for the early 2030s.

Trump has long shown interest in naval design, sometimes prioritising aesthetics over technical considerations. He has previously criticised the appearance of destroyers, complained about rust on ships, and even altered designs of past vessels, including the cancelled Constellation-class frigate. He reiterated Monday that he will have a direct role in designing the USS Defiant , emphasizing visual appeal as well as functionality.

Analysts caution that while the project could enhance symbolism and morale , it faces technological, budgetary, and treaty-related challenges , raising questions about its practicality in modern naval operations where aircraft carriers, submarines, and missile systems dominate.

Phelan defended the project, saying the USS Defiant “will inspire awe and reverence for the American flag whenever it pulls into a foreign port,” framing it as both a strategic and diplomatic asset.