US President Donald Trump unveiled plans for a new generation of navy warships named “Trump-class” during a Monday event at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. He described the ships as bigger, faster, and a hundred times more powerful than any previous US-built vessel.
The project begins with two battleships, expanding to 20-25 vessels. Three posters displayed concept images of the lead ship, USS Defiant.
Navy Secretary details capabilities
Navy Secretary John Phelan stated adversaries would recognize inevitable American victory upon sighting USS Defiant. He called it the largest, deadliest, most versatile, and best-looking warship globally, crediting Trump’s vision.
Phelan compared it to the Iowa-class, emphasizing offensive firepower with the era’s biggest guns. The ships will command warships, drones, and more, featuring hypersonic weapons, high-power lasers, and nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missiles. Trump stressed domestic construction at US navy yards.
Historical context and naming shift
Battleships like the WWII-era Iowa-class weighed around 60,000 tons with massive guns for ship-to-ship or shore bombardment. Post-war, aircraft carriers and missiles diminished their role; the US modernized four Iowas in the 1980s before decommissioning them in the 1990s.
Trump aims to restore America as a shipbuilding power with this “golden fleet,” ensuring the world’s most powerful navy. Traditionally, carriers honor former presidents, like future USS William J Clinton and USS George W Bush.
Recent Trump naming includes the US Institute of Peace and Trump-Kennedy Center.
Source: The Guardian
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