On Monday, former President Donald Trump revealed plans for a new class of surface combat ships intended to rejuvenate the United States Navy. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to replace what he described as an "old, tired, and outdated" fleet.
The announcement took place at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, with Trump joined by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State, and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio.
The White House highlighted on social media platform X that these new ships represent "the most lethal surface combatant ever built," referring to them as "The Battleship."
Trump emphasized that these new vessels will help sustain America's military dominance, boost the national shipbuilding industry, and deter global adversaries. While he avoided explicitly calling them "Trump-class" ships, he introduced the initiative as part of a "Golden Fleet" for the Navy.
He expressed a personal commitment to the ships' design, insisting that they will also meet aesthetic standards. "The Navy will lead the design along with me, as I am a very aesthetic person," Trump stated, echoing previous criticisms of the current ships' appearances despite their supposed stealth technology.
The new ships are expected to be outfitted with cutting-edge weaponry, including hypersonic weapons, electromagnetic railguns, cruise missiles, advanced lasers, and systems largely governed by artificial intelligence. Although specific technical details were not disclosed, each ship will have an estimated displacement between 3,000 and 40,000 tons and will be entirely constructed in the United States.
Initially, two ships will be built, with eight more to follow in a subsequent phase. Trump's ultimate vision includes a fleet of 20 to 25 vessels, which would become the core of the U.S. naval forces. Additionally, he announced upgrades to aircraft carriers under the same program.
The possibility of the new class bearing Trump's name has sparked speculation, as it is customary for the first ship of each design to name the class. If this tradition holds, the first ship could be called the USS Trump, though images at the event featured the name USS Defiant.
This announcement comes amid increased U.S. naval activity in the Caribbean, as the Trump administration steps up pressure on Nicolás Maduro's regime in Venezuela, targeting its oil revenue streams. Recently, the U.S. has seized oil tankers in the region, with operations led by the Coast Guard and supported by the Navy.
FAQs on U.S. Navy's New Warship Initiative
What is the purpose of the new class of ships announced by Trump?
The new class of ships is intended to rejuvenate the U.S. Navy, maintain military supremacy, boost the national shipbuilding industry, and deter international adversaries.
What advanced technologies will the new ships feature?
The ships are expected to be equipped with hypersonic weapons, electromagnetic railguns, cruise missiles, advanced lasers, and systems largely controlled by artificial intelligence.
How many ships are initially planned to be built?
The initial plan calls for the construction of two ships, with plans for eight more in a later phase.