"Golden Fleet": Trump Unveils Nuclear-Armed "Trump Class" Battleship

In a move that fundamentally rewrites US naval strategy, President Donald J. Trump officially announced the creation of the "Trump Class" battleship on December 21, 2025. Speaking from Mar-a-Lago, flanked by Navy Secretary John Phelan and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump declared the return of the heavy surface combatant, a designation retired since the 1990s. The lead vessel, to be named the USS Defiant (BBG 1), promises to be the "largest, deadliest, and most visually appealing" warship in history. This announcement marks the beginning of the "Golden Fleet" initiative—a massive rearmament program aiming for 20-25 of these nuclear-capable capital ships to counter Chinese naval expansion.

The Context (How We Got Here)

The announcement follows a year of signaling from the administration. Since his second inauguration in January 2025, President Trump has voided the previous Navy Navigation Plan, criticizing the fleet's condition as "rusty" and "small." Secretary Phelan had previously hinted at the President’s personal involvement in ship design, emphasizing an "aesthetic" overhaul alongside lethal capability. The shift to a 30,000-40,000 ton hull moves the Navy away from the reliance on smaller, faster Arleigh Burke-class destroyers (approx. 9,000 tons) back toward the massive durability of the historic Iowa-class battleships, but modernized with 21st-century tech.

The Key Players (Who & So What)

Donald J. Trump (President): The architect. His demand for ships that are "visually appealing" and his direct involvement in the design process underscore his intent to leave a physical legacy on the military. He frames the class as a symbol of American resurgence.
John C. Phelan (Secretary of the Navy): The executor. He revealed the class's most controversial feature: the reintroduction of Sea-Launched Cruise Missiles with nuclear warheads (SLCM-N). He positions the Trump Class not just as a ship, but as a "new nuclear deterrent."
Pete Hegseth (Secretary of Defense): The strategist. He argues that the sheer size and magazine depth of these ships are the only way to effectively deter the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) in the Pacific, prioritizing "shipbuilding as an absolute top priority."

The BIGSTORY Reframe

While mainstream outlets focus on the ego of naming a ship class after a living president, the deeper story is the "Doctrinal Pivot to Survivability." For three decades, the Navy prioritized stealth and speed. The Trump Class reverses this, betting on Armor and Mass. The logic implies that in a hypersonic missile war with China, ships will get hit; therefore, the Navy needs massive hulls that can absorb damage and keep fighting, serving as floating fortresses rather than glass cannons.

Furthermore, the "AI Quarterback" angle is critical. These ships aren't just carrying guns; they are designed as "central command control nodes." Their massive size allows for the power generation needed to run onboard AI data centers and directed energy weapons (lasers) simultaneously. The Trump Class effectively acts as a floating server farm and air traffic controller for the entire fleet's drone swarms and missile defense systems.

The Implications (Why This Changes Things)

The re-nuclearization of the surface fleet (via SLCM-N) is a geopolitical earthquake. It complicates port visits worldwide, as allies like Japan and New Zealand have strict anti-nuclear policies. Economically, the push for 20-25 ships serves as a massive stimulus for shipyards in Mississippi, Maine, and Virginia, potentially revitalizing the U.S. industrial maritime base—a key Trump campaign promise.

The Closing Question (Now, Think About This)

In an era of cheap drone swarms and hypersonic missiles, is building a massive, "visually appealing" battleship the ultimate show of strength, or is it creating the world's largest target?

FAQs

What is the Trump Class battleship announced in 2025? The Trump Class is a newly announced series of surface combatants for the US Navy. Unveiled on December 21, 2025, these ships are projected to displace between 30,000 and 40,000 tons, marking a return to the "battleship" designation. They are designed to be the "largest and deadliest" ships in the fleet.

What weapons will the Trump Class ships carry? The ships are slated to be heavily armed with next-generation technology, including hypersonic missiles, electromagnetic railguns, and directed energy (laser) weapons. Crucially, they will also carry Sea-Launched Cruise Missiles with nuclear warheads (SLCM-N), reintroducing tactical nuclear capabilities to surface ships.

Is the Trump Class battleship a real project? Yes. While no metal has been cut yet, the project was officially announced by President Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Navy Secretary John Phelan. The administration has outlined a procurement goal of 20 to 25 vessels to counter Chinese naval growth.

Sources

Official Announcements

Analysis & Context

US Politics

Sseema Giill Founder & CEO

Sseema Giill is an inspiring media professional, CEO of Screenage Media Pvt Ltd, and founder of the NGO AGE (Association for Gender Equality). She is also the Founder CEO and Chief Editor at BIGSTORY NETWORK. Giill champions women's empowerment and gender equality, particularly in rural India, and was honored with the Champions of Change Award in 2023.