US$23.4 Billion Trump-Class Battleship Faces Criticism Over Costs, Technical Readiness
Bastillepost · 1 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
The United States' most expensive warship program faces growing skepticism from American and Chinese observers alike. The Trump-class battleship, named after former President Donald Trump, carries a per-vessel cost of US$23.4 billion—nearly double the price of a Gerald Ford-class nuclear carrier. U.S. Defense News, in a September 3 report, acknowledged Chinese media criticism that the program deviates from practical naval combat needs. Meanwhile, Chinese military analysts argue the vessel's weapons configuration may fail against a much cheaper 052D destroyer.
Key Points
- Trump approved the "Golden Fleet" battleship program on December 3, 2025, at the White House, naming the lead vessel after himself
- The 262-meter warship displaces over 35,000 tons and features dual nuclear reactors with integrated electric propulsion
- Planned armament includes 128-cell MK-41 VLS, electromagnetic railgun, IRCPS hypersonic missiles, and 300kW laser
- Congressional Budget Office estimates first ship at US$23.4 billion, subsequent ships US$18 billion each, total program US$275 billion
- House Armed Services Committee demands proof of weapons maturity before contract signing, citing Zumwalt and LCS failures
Why It Matters
The program's viability directly impacts U.S. naval competitiveness in the Indo-Pacific. If the Trump-class cannot reliably counter China's destroyers while costing 50 times more than a 052D, the U.S. Navy may face a severe capability gap during critical decades of Chinese naval expansion .
The program's viability directly impacts U.S. naval competitiveness in the Indo-Pacific. If the Trump-class cannot reliably counter China's destroyers while costing 50 times more than a 052D, the U.S. Navy may face a severe capability gap during critical decades of Chinese naval expansion .