U.S. President Donald Trump announced a plan to develop a new type of large surface warship for the United States Navy, which he referred to as a “battleship.” The project calls for the creation of the so-called Trump class (Trump Class), whose lead ship is expected to be named USS Defiant.
According to the president, the proposed USS Defiant will be the largest U.S. surface combatant since World War II, surpassing all current classes of cruisers and destroyers in service with the U.S. Navy.
The announcement was made during a presentation held in the library of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago property in Florida, attended by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who also serves as national security adviser.
+ Video: Trump announces Trump Class and USS Defiant, the new U.S. naval giant
According to Trump, the new ships could replace the Navy’s current fleet, which he described as “old, worn out, and obsolete.” The Trump-class units would be part of a future “Golden Fleet,” conceived to strengthen U.S. naval capability in the face of China and other potential adversaries, while also reflecting aesthetic standards valued by the president.
“In designing these ships, the United States Armed Forces will work together with me, because I greatly appreciate aesthetics,” Trump said.
The new “warships,” according to the president, will be equipped with a broad suite of advanced weapons, including next-generation missiles, hypersonic weapons, electric railguns, cruise missiles, and “the most advanced lasers in the world.” Trump also stated that the vessels will have an estimated displacement between 30,000 and 40,000 tons and will be built entirely in U.S. shipyards.
Another point highlighted was the use of emerging technologies. According to Trump, Trump-class ships would be “controlled by artificial intelligence,” although no additional technical details were provided regarding the level of automation or the operational use of these systems.
The initial plan calls for the construction of two Trump-class ships, followed by eight more at a later stage. In total, Trump said he intends to order between 20 and 25 units, which he said will serve as the new “flagships of the United States Navy.”
“They will help maintain America’s military superiority, revitalize the American shipbuilding industry, and instill fear in America’s enemies around the world,” the president concluded.
Source and images: Naval Sea Systems Command | U.S. Naval Institute X @NavalInstitute. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
