Donald Trump has announced plans for a $175 billion “Golden Dome” missile defense system aimed at shielding the U.S. from foreign threats, with the goal of having it operational by the end of a potential second term. Speaking from the White House, Trump said the state-of-the-art system’s architecture has been finalized and is designed to intercept missiles at every stage—from pre-launch to final descent. He noted that Canada has expressed interest in joining the effort. If fully realized, Golden Dome would mark the first time the U.S. deploys space-based weaponry capable of neutralizing incoming missiles mid-flight.
Gen. Michael Guetlein, vice-chief of space operations, will lead the project. The system is expected to incorporate both ground- and space-based interceptors. Pentagon planners have developed several design options, ranging in cost and capability, while the Congressional Budget Office projects the space-based portion alone could total $542 billion over 20 years. Trump has requested $25 billion in initial funding through a tax bill currently in Congress.
The Pentagon supports the plan, citing the growing threat posed by advanced missile technologies from China and Russia. Gen. Chance Saltzman of the U.S. Space Force described the program as addressing missions never before attempted by military space forces.
