Washington DC [US]: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced key updates on his administration’s flagship missile defense project, the “Golden Dome”, a USD 175 billion initiative aimed at creating an unprecedented shield against intercontinental and space-launched threats.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump confirmed that the architecture for the system is finalized and the programme will be overseen by General Michael Guetlein, Vice Chief of Space Operations. The project is expected to be fully operational within three years, well before the end of Trump’s second term.
“This design for the Golden Dome will integrate with our existing defense capabilities and should be fully operational before the end of my term… even if [missiles] are launched from space,” Trump said, as reported by The Hill.
Flanked by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and GOP Senators Dan Sullivan, Jim Banks, and Kevin Cramer, Trump stood before posters featuring a golden shield over a map of the US and the quote: “This is a Very Dangerous World.”
Initially unveiled in January, the Golden Dome will receive a USD 25 billion allocation through a GOP-backed reconciliation bill, though full funding is uncertain. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that the actual cost could exceed USD 500 billion over two decades due to its technological scale and integration challenges.
The system is intended to counter long-range missile threats from adversaries such as Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea. Modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome, the Golden Dome will be scaled up to protect the US homeland, including missile threats from space-based platforms.
“Ronald Reagan wanted it many years ago, but they didn’t have the technology… In the campaign, I promised the American people that I would build a cutting-edge missile defense shield,” Trump said, referencing the original Strategic Defense Initiative from the 1980s.
Key Points from the Announcement:
- System Oversight: Gen. Michael Guetlein (US Space Force)
- Targeted Completion: Within three years, before end of Trump’s second term
- Estimated Cost: $175 billion (Trump’s claim); $500+ billion (CBO projection)
- Initial Funding: $25 billion GOP-supported allocation
- Collaborating States: Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Indiana (with defense infrastructure)
- Potential Contractors: Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, L3Harris
- Possible Allies: Canada has expressed interest in participation
- Technology: Fully US-made, layered defense integrating with THAAD, NASAMS, and existing ICBM interceptors
Democrats, however, have raised ethical concerns about the possible involvement of SpaceX, given Elon Musk’s advisory role in the Trump administration, suggesting conflicts of interest may arise if awarded contracts.
Despite this, Trump emphasized the domestic manufacturing angle, positioning the initiative as both a national security priority and a boost for the defense sector.
Critics argue that existing US missile defense systems are already highly capable, citing interceptors based in Alaska and systems like THAAD and NASAMS. Yet, Trump insists that Golden Dome will provide a new layer of protection against modern and emerging threats, particularly those that originate from space.
As debates continue on Capitol Hill over funding and ethical oversight, Trump’s announcement signals a renewed military and space defense focus—and a bold revival of Reagan-era visions, adapted to 21st-century warfare.