• Trump unveils plans for a new class of battleships named after himself.
• The new vessels, titled 'Trump Class,' will be part of a strategic naval expansion project.
• Construction of the first of these battleships is expected to begin within the next two and a half years.
• The ships promise to be larger, faster, and significantly more powerful than any previous U.S. battleships.
• This initiative aims to enhance U.S. naval strength amid competition with other maritime powers.

At a press conference in Palm Beach, Florida, President Donald Trump announced plans for a new class of battleships named after himself as part of a revival efforts to strengthen the U.S. Navy, which he refers to as the "Golden Fleet." Trump proclaimed these vessels will be "the biggest, the fastest, and by far 100 times more powerful than any battleship ever built," as he laid out his vision for constructing two initial ships with plans for an eventual fleet of 20 to 25. The ships, known as the Trump Class, are expected to weigh between 30,000 and 40,000 tons and be equipped with advanced technology including hypersonic missiles and high-powered lasers, according to reports from Reuters and ABC News.

Trump made this historic announcement alongside key defense officials, stating that the battleships will be significant upgrades from previous models like the Iowa-class vessels. Emphasizing the urgency of revitalizing the American fleet, he noted, "We're desperately in need of ships. Our ships, some of them have gotten old and tired and obsolete." He asserted that these new ships will serve as the flagships of the future. He specifically mentioned the use of advanced weaponry such as electric rail guns and cutting-edge laser systems that have been in development, which signals a shift toward modernization in U.S. naval capabilities, as highlighted by AA and NPR.

Additionally, the announcement was presented as a response to growing maritime competition, particularly with China, although Trump stated, "it's a counter to everybody, it's not China." He added that more than just battleships will be developed, indicating a comprehensive approach to enhance U.S. naval power, including aircraft carriers and submarines. Officials have raised concerns that the U.S. has fallen behind economically in naval shipbuilding, especially compared to China's expanding navy, a sentiment echoed in findings from Le Monde and BBC.

The construction of the initial vessels is set to begin in approximately two and a half years, with the Trump administration advocating a resurgence in American shipbuilding practices. Observers predict high financial costs associated with these new ships, speculating that each might total over $10 billion when considering design, construction, and deployment, as reported by both BBC and ABC News.