What's happened
On December 23, 2025, President Trump announced the Trump-class battleships, a new class of heavily armed, large surface combatants designed to restore US naval dominance. The USS Defiant, the first ship, will be 30,000-40,000 tons, equipped with hypersonic missiles, lasers, and nuclear cruise missiles. The plan includes building up to 25 ships, aiming to counter global threats and revitalize US shipbuilding amid growing Chinese naval power.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Naval Revitalization
The Trump-class battleships represent a bold attempt to reassert US naval dominance through sheer size and advanced technology. These vessels, significantly larger than current destroyers, will carry hypersonic and nuclear-capable missiles, directed energy weapons, and AI systems, signaling a shift back to heavily armed surface combatants reminiscent of mid-20th century battleships but updated for modern warfare.
Challenges and Realism
Despite ambitious claims, the program faces significant hurdles. Technologies like railguns and nuclear cruise missiles remain in development or face treaty constraints. The US Navy's recent history of cost overruns and delays in shipbuilding projects raises questions about the feasibility of delivering these ships on time and budget. Moreover, the strategic value of battleships in an era dominated by aircraft carriers and submarines is debatable.
Political and Industrial Implications
Trump's personal involvement in design and emphasis on aesthetics reflect a political branding effort as much as a military strategy. The initiative also aims to revitalize the US shipbuilding industry, which has struggled with inconsistent demand and production inefficiencies. Pressure on defense contractors to curb executive pay and accelerate production highlights systemic issues in defense procurement.
Geopolitical Context
While Trump downplays China as the sole target, the naval buildup clearly responds to Beijing's expanding fleet and technological advances. The introduction of unmanned vessels and smaller frigates alongside the battleships indicates a multi-faceted approach to countering diverse maritime threats.
Outlook
The Trump-class battleships will likely reshape US naval strategy and industrial policy over the next decade. However, success depends on overcoming technological, financial, and strategic challenges. The program will influence global naval balances, signaling US intent to maintain maritime supremacy amid rising great power competition.
What the papers say
The New Arab highlights Trump's announcement at Mar-a-Lago, emphasizing the ships as "some of the most lethal surface warfare ships" and noting their potential to carry nuclear-armed cruise missiles, though Trump downplayed targeting China specifically. The New York Times reports the ships will be more than twice the size of current destroyers and carry hypersonic missiles, with Trump asserting they will "help maintain American military supremacy." Business Insider UK provides context on the Navy's broader shipbuilding challenges, noting delays and cost overruns have hampered fleet growth amid China's naval expansion. The Independent and France 24 detail the ships' advanced technologies, including lasers and railguns, while also noting the Navy's historical struggles with such systems. France 24 and Al Jazeera report Trump's plans to pressure defense contractors on costs and production speed, reflecting systemic procurement issues. Together, these sources paint a picture of an ambitious but complex naval modernization effort, blending political symbolism with strategic necessity amid growing global naval competition.
How we got here
US naval power has declined since the Cold War, with fleet size shrinking and shipbuilding plagued by delays and cost overruns. China's fleet has grown rapidly, surpassing the US in numbers. The Trump administration aims to reverse this trend by investing in advanced, large-scale warships and modernizing the Navy's capabilities to maintain global maritime superiority.
Go deeper
- What technologies will the Trump-class battleships feature?
- How does the Trump-class compare to China's naval fleet?
- What challenges does the US Navy face in building these ships?
Common question
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What Are Trump’s New Battleships and Why Do They Matter?
President Trump has announced a new class of heavily armed, larger battleships aimed at restoring US naval dominance. These ships feature cutting-edge technology like lasers and hypersonic missiles, signaling a major shift in naval warfare. But what exactly are these ships, and why are they such a big deal? Below, we explore the features, strategic importance, and technological innovations behind Trump’s new battleship fleet.
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How Are Global Trade and Defense Strategies Changing in 2025?
In 2025, international trade and military strategies are evolving rapidly due to political, environmental, and technological shifts. From delays in major trade agreements to the expansion of naval power, these changes impact global stability and economic growth. Curious about what’s next for international trade and defense? Here are the key questions and answers shaping today’s world.
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Are Europe and the US shifting their global influence?
Recent developments in trade and military strategies suggest that both Europe and the US are making significant moves to redefine their roles on the world stage. From delays in major trade agreements to the unveiling of advanced naval fleets, these actions raise questions about the future balance of power. How do these shifts impact global politics, economic stability, and everyday life? Below, we explore the key questions and what they mean for the world today.
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What’s Next for Global Politics and Defense?
As the world navigates complex trade negotiations, rising military ambitions, and shifting political landscapes, many are asking what the future holds. From delays in major trade deals to new naval arms races, these developments could shape international relations for years to come. Below, we explore key questions about the upcoming geopolitical shifts and what they mean for global stability.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the eight uniformed services of the United States.
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Mar-a-Lago ( MAR ə LAH-goh, Spanish: [ˈmaɾ a ˈlaɣo]) is a resort and National Historic Landmark on a barrier island in Palm Beach, Florida, United States. It spans 126 rooms and 62,500 square feet (5,810 square meters) built on 17 acres (7 hectares)
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China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
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Peter Brian Hegseth (born June 6, 1980) is an American government official and former television personality who has served as the 29th United States secretary of defense since 2025.
Hegseth studied politics at Princeton University, where he was the publi
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Marco Antonio Rubio is an American attorney and politician currently serving as the senior United States Senator from Florida. A Republican, Rubio previously served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.