### Trump Unveils Ambitious "Golden Fleet" of Battleships Named After Himself On December 22, 2025, former President Donald Trump announced plans for a new class of U.S. Navy battleships, dubbed the "Trump-class," during an event at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize and expand the U.S. Navy amid rising global naval competition, particularly with China. The announcement has sparked discussions about the implications of naming military vessels after a sitting or former president, a practice typically reserved for historical figures. ### Structure of the Announcement and Its Implications 1. **Overview of the Trump-Class Battleships** - The U.S. Navy plans to construct up to 25 Trump-class battleships, which are touted to be significantly larger and more powerful than existing vessels, with claims of being "100 times stronger" than the Iowa-class ships [https://www.timesnownews.com/world/us/us-news/what-is-trump-class-us-navy-to-get-massive-new-battleships-under-golden-fleet-after-donald-trump-announcement-article-153333636]. - The first ship, named USS Defiant, is expected to incorporate advanced technologies, including guided missile capabilities and possibly nuclear armaments [https://www.westernjournal.com/developing-trump-announces-new-trump-class-battleships-bigger-previous-battleships-us-history]. 2. **Strategic Context and Goals** - This initiative is part of a larger push to modernize the U.S. Navy's surface fleet, which has faced criticism for being outdated [https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2025/12/23/trump-unveils-plans-for-new-warships-named-after-himself_6748770_4.html]. - The announcement coincides with increasing scrutiny of defense contractors regarding production delays and cost overruns, indicating a renewed focus on domestic shipbuilding [https://www.geo.tv/latest/640998-trump-unveils-plan-for-trump-class-battleships-to-boost-us-sea-power]. 3. **Public and Political Reactions** - The announcement has been met with mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a vanity project while others see it as a necessary step to enhance U.S. naval capabilities [https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-reveals-latest-vanity-project-hes-naming-after-himself]. - Critics have raised concerns about the implications of naming military assets after a living president, suggesting it could undermine the traditional honor associated with such designations [https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/trump-announces-new-trump-class-navy-battleships-named-after-himself_uk_694a497de4b099a75cbe22e4]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Key Features of the Trump-Class Battleships** - Expected to be **40,000 tons** in weight, making them among the largest in U.S. naval history [https://www.zona-militar.com/en/2025/12/23/introducing-the-trump-class-the-future-40000-ton-battleships-of-the-u-s-navy]. - Capable of deploying advanced weaponry, including laser systems and guided missiles [https://interestingengineering.com/military/donald-trump-unveils-trump-class-battleship-plan]. - Initial plans include the construction of **two ships**, with potential expansion to **25 ships** based on future needs [https://www.pennlive.com/nation-world/2025/12/trump-announces-new-class-of-battleships-named-after-himself.html]. ### Conclusion: A New Era for the U.S. Navy In summary, Donald Trump's announcement of the "Trump-class" battleships marks a significant shift in U.S. naval strategy, aiming to bolster the fleet's capabilities in response to global challenges. The initiative reflects a commitment to modernize military assets while also raising questions about the appropriateness of personal branding in military nomenclature. 1. **Strategic Expansion**: The Trump-class battleships are positioned as a response to global naval competition, particularly with China. 2. **Technological Advancements**: These ships are expected to incorporate cutting-edge technologies, enhancing U.S. naval power. 3. **Public Perception**: The naming of these vessels after Trump has sparked debate about the implications of such practices in military tradition. The future of the U.S. Navy may hinge on the successful implementation of this ambitious plan, as it seeks to navigate the complexities of modern warfare and international relations [https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3337404/trump-unveils-trump-class-battleship-us-shipbuilding-push].