• President Trump announced plans for new "Trump-class" battleships as part of the Navy's "Golden Fleet."
• The vessels will be larger, faster, and equipped with advanced weaponry including hypersonic missiles and lasers.
• Initial plans are to construct two battleships, with a total of 20 to 25 envisioned over time.
• Construction is expected to begin soon, with the first ship named USS Defiant.
• Trump emphasized the need to restore U.S. naval dominance and boost domestic shipbuilding capabilities.

In a recent announcement at his Mar-a-Lago residence, President Trump unveiled plans for a new class of battleships known as the "Trump-class" as part of a broader initiative termed the "Golden Fleet." He stated that these new vessels would be the largest and most powerful ever built by the Navy, expected to be "100 times more powerful than any battleship ever built," according to Reuters.

During the announcement, Trump, flanked by key defense officials including Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, elaborated on the specifications, stating the ships will weigh between 30,000 and 40,000 tons and feature advanced weaponry such as hypersonic missiles, nuclear cruise missiles, and rail guns. He claimed the construction of these battleships would also create thousands of jobs in the U.S., fortifying the domestic shipbuilding industry, according to AA and ABC News.

The first battleship, USS Defiant, is set to begin construction shortly, with the timeline for completion projected at approximately two and a half years. Trump highlighted the need for these vessels as an enhancement to the aging U.S. fleet to ensure military supremacy. "They’ll help maintain American military supremacy, revive the American shipbuilding industry, and inspire fear in America’s enemies all over the world," Trump remarked, referencing the need to counteract threats posed by various nations, according to India Times and BBC.

Experts have voiced concerns about the significant technological advancements touted by Trump, particularly the feasibility of integrating laser technology and hypersonic weapons into the new vessels. Previous attempts to implement certain technologies, such as the Navy’s railgun project, have faced substantial challenges and delays. Additionally, the potential deployment of nuclear cruise missiles could conflict with international agreements, as mentioned by NPR and The Hill.

In summary, the proposed new battleships are set to play a critical role in Trump's vision for revitalizing U.S. naval capabilities and shipbuilding, presenting a blend of historical significance and modern warfare technology, as affirmed by statements made during the event and ongoing defense strategies discussed by military officials, according to Al Jazeera and Los Angeles Times.