President Announces ‘Trump-Class’ Battleship Concept to Boost Naval Power

President Donald Trump publicly announced plans to establish a new class of U.S. naval warships branded the “Trump-class” battleships, intended to anchor an expanded “Golden Fleet” and strengthen American maritime supremacy. 

Speaking at a press event in Florida alongside senior defense officials, Trump said the new battleships will be “the fastest, the biggest, and by far, 100 times more powerful than any battleship ever built.” 

He outlined several core goals of the initiative: reviving the U.S. shipbuilding industry, modernizing naval firepower, and deterring potential adversaries. Trump also said he would take an active role in the ship designs, noting, “The U.S. Navy will lead the design of these ships along with me because I’m a very aesthetic person.” 

According to the Navy’s official press release, the first vessel will be named USS Defiant (BBG-1) and will feature “dominant firepower and a decisive advantage over adversaries… integrating the most advanced deep-strike weapons of today with the revolutionary systems of the years ahead.” 

Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan emphasized the strategic intent, saying:

“When a conflict arises, you’re going to ask us two questions: where is the carrier, and where is the battleship… We will ensure continuous improvement, intellectually honest assessments… resulting in a Fleet unparalleled in lethality, adaptability and strength.”

Adm. Daryl Caudle, Chief of Naval Operations, added that the new class will “meet the requirement” for a larger surface combatant capable of deterrence and combat in the decades ahead. 

Officials said construction will begin with two vessels, with ambitions to expand to a fleet of 20–25 ships under the Golden Fleet initiative. Advanced technologies like hypersonic weapons, directed-energy lasers, and nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missiles were cited as key capabilities. 

The announcement marks a notable shift in U.S. naval planning, reviving the concept of battleship-style surface combatants last seen in World War II while integrating modern weapons and mission sets suited for 21st-century operations.