Trump announces plan to be on Golden Dome - U.S. official

Trump announces plan to be on Golden Dome - U.S. official

President Donald Trump has announced a significant initiative to bolster the U.S. missile defense capabilities, unveiling plans to build a comprehensive missile defense system dubbed the "Golden Dome." Speaking to U.S. troops at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Trump revealed that he has signed an order to implement this advanced system, which will be manufactured entirely in the United States [1].

The Golden Dome project aims to protect the entire continental United States from a wide range of missile threats, including hypersonic, ballistic, and cruise missiles. Trump emphasized that all components of the system will be made in the U.S., signaling a strong commitment to "America First" policies [1]. The project is expected to cost many billions of dollars, with an initial $27 billion boost to the system's development, according to congressional Republicans [1].

The Pentagon has submitted multiple options to the White House for developing the Golden Dome, with each option presenting a different price point. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that the total cost of developing a viable Golden Dome system could exceed $500 billion over the next 20 years [2]. The project is expected to create a significant bonanza for private contractors, with companies like Elon Musk's SpaceX vying for highly lucrative contracts related to the system [2].

A key aspect of the Golden Dome implementation plan is the establishment of a direct reporting program manager, often referred to as a "golden dome czar," who will oversee the development and deployment of the system. Gen. Michael A. Guetlein, vice chief of space operations at the US Space Force, is under consideration for this role [2].

The Defense Intelligence Agency has warned that China could have scores of nuclear-tipped ICBMs by 2035, underscoring the urgency of the Golden Dome project. The agency's assessment highlights the growing threat of advanced missile technologies from adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea [1].

Congress has allocated $25 billion in next year's defense budget for the Golden Dome system, with additional funding expected to be included in the reconciliation bill. Despite the significant investment, the total cost of developing and implementing the system remains uncertain, with estimates suggesting a price tag that could reach hundreds of billions of dollars [2].

The Golden Dome project faces numerous challenges, including technological gaps and high costs. However, Trump has expressed confidence in the system's ability to protect the U.S. from advanced missile threats, stating that it is "amazing what they do" [1].

References:
[1] https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/donald-trump-golden-dome-military/2025/05/15/id/1211055/
[2] https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/19/politics/golden-dome-missile-shield-price-billions