President Trump unveils massive “Trump class” battleships to crush America’s enemies and revive shipbuilding, but critics call them outdated behemoths unfit for modern warfare against China.
Story Highlights
- Trump announces “Trump class” warships displacing over 35,000 tons, twice the size of current Navy combatants, armed with hypersonic and nuclear-armed missiles.
- These battleships anchor a “golden fleet” to replace “old and tired” ships, boosting U.S. supremacy and inspiring fear in adversaries like China.
- Plans call for 20 vessels, with two built in 2.5 years, revitalizing American shipyards amid Navy’s current 292-ship fleet.
- Critics, including retired Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, argue behemoths fail to counter China’s dispersed threats effectively.
Trump’s Bold Navy Overhaul
President Donald Trump announced on December 22, 2025, construction of the “Trump class” warships to anchor a “golden fleet” for the U.S. Navy. He described current vessels as “old and tired and obsolete,” disparaging Arleigh Burke-class destroyers as unable to compete with foreign fleets.
A Pentagon official confirmed the plans anonymously. Trump stated he personally contributed to the design, emphasizing urgency for new ships to maintain military edge.
Trump Administration Live Updates: President Announces Plans for New ‘Trump Class’ Warships https://t.co/mmNMjlEoFM via @NYTimes
— Ray Long (@RayLong) December 23, 2025
Specifications and Capabilities
The new battleships displace more than 35,000 tons, exceeding twice the size of the Navy’s largest surface combatants. Navy officials detailed capabilities including hypersonic missiles via Conventional Prompt Strike, nuclear-armed cruise missiles, and expanded munitions capacity.
Trump highlighted two five-inch guns alongside advanced missiles, forgoing World War II-style large-bore guns. He promised artificial intelligence controls, though details remain undisclosed, positioning these as centerpieces against global threats like China.
Historical Context and Production Plans
Trump’s vision echoes World War II Iowa-class battleships, which displaced 60,000 tons, featured 16-18 inch armor, and nine 16-inch guns. Those served in Korea, Vietnam, and Reagan’s 1980s buildup with modern missiles. Unlike predecessors, Trump class prioritizes missiles over big guns.
Trump expects two ships built within 2.5 years, scaling to 20 total, integrated with new frigates based on Coast Guard cutters. He plans Florida meetings with contractors next week to accelerate production and penalize delays.
Revitalizing American Shipbuilding
These warships aim to revive U.S. shipbuilding, countering Navy struggles with projects like Zumwalt destroyers and failed rail guns. Trump criticized slow production, vowing penalties for lagging firms.
The initiative supports broader military rebranding, including “Department of War” rhetoric and gold decor in the Oval Office. Amid Coast Guard actions against Venezuelan oil ships to oust Maduro, Trump pushes aggressive posture. Plans also include a “Golden Dome” missile shield despite expert hurdles.
Criticisms from Defense Experts
Retired Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, ex-U.S. Pacific Command operations director and Foundation for Defense of Democracies fellow, warned the battleships suit neither China deterrence nor tactical needs. He advocates dispersed, minimally manned or unmanned ships with large magazines.
Montgomery stated these “battleships will achieve none of these tactical goals.” Critics note failure to meet congressional fire support mandates for Marines since Iowa decommissioning in the 1990s. Navy’s 292 ships mostly comprise destroyers, cruisers, carriers, and subs.
