Trump Unveils “Trump-Class” Battleships With Nuclear Capability for U.S. Navy

President Donald Trump unveiled a major naval initiative on December 22, 2025, announcing that the United States will build a new class of heavily armed warships named the “Trump-class” battleships — a centerpiece of his broader “Golden Fleet” vision for the U.S. Navy.

Speaking at an event in Palm Beach, Florida, Trump was joined by high-ranking officials including Navy Secretary John Phelan, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The president described the new ships as larger, faster and “100 times more powerful” than prior naval vessels.

The first ship in the class will be named USS Defiant and construction of two initial vessels is expected to begin imminently, with the potential to expand the fleet to 20–25 battleships over time.

Modern Surface Combatants With Strategic Firepower

Unlike historic battleships of the World War II era, the Trump-class vessels are designed around missile firepower and advanced systems rather than traditional large naval guns. According to official statements and detailed renderings, they will feature:

• Nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missiles (SLCM-N), adding a strategic strike capability to the surface fleet.
• Hypersonic weapons and railgun technology, both intended to deliver rapid, long-range strike options.
• High-power laser systems for defensive and offensive engagements.
• Multiple vertical launch systems for a flexible arsenal of missiles.

These elements position the Trump-class battleships as both surface warfare platforms and command hubs capable of overseeing a range of crewed and uncrewed systems.

A Strategic and Symbolic Shift

According to Phelan, the Trump-class will become “the most lethal surface combatant ever constructed,” saying that when future conflicts arise, commanders will ask not just where the carriers are — but where the battleship is.

The decision to name a naval class after a sitting president departs from long-standing naval traditions, where battleships were historically named for U.S. states and carriers after presidents. Trump’s announcement reflects his broader effort to brand national defense initiatives under his leadership.

Reviving U.S. Shipbuilding and Strategic Posture

Trump and his advisors emphasized that the program would support American shipyards and suppliers across multiple states as the nation attempts to regain industrial prominence in naval construction.