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Trump’s $175 billion “Golden Dome” missile defense system to shield U.S. from Russia, China

By isabelle // 2025-05-21

• President Trump unveiled the $175 billion "Golden Dome" missile defense system, a multi-layered shield integrating land, sea, and space-based technologies to counter advanced missile threats.
• The system, inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome but more advanced, aims to be fully operational within three years, ensuring U.S. protection against ballistic and hypersonic weapons.
• Trump compared the Golden Dome to Reagan’s "Star Wars" initiative, emphasizing that current technology makes it feasible, with satellites and interceptors capable of stopping global threats.
• The project faces financial scrutiny, with costs potentially reaching $831 billion, and has drawn political opposition despite the initial $25 billion in secured funding.
• The Golden Dome prioritizes strategic U.S. locations and involves defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, while Canada has shown interest in joining the initiative under NORAD.

President Donald Trump has unveiled the final design for the $175 billion "Golden Dome" missile defense system, a cutting-edge, multi-layered shield integrating land, sea, and space-based technologies. Announced at a White House press conference, the initiative aims to be fully operational within three years, before the end of Trump’s term, marking one of the most ambitious national security projects in U.S. history. The system, inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome but vastly more advanced, will counter ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, and next-generation aerial threats, ensuring America remains impervious to foreign aggression.

A modern-day "Star Wars" defense

Trump framed the Golden Dome as the realization of Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative, famously dubbed "Star Wars," which was once deemed technologically unfeasible. "Ronald Reagan wanted it many years ago, but they didn’t have the technology," Trump said. "Now we do." The system will deploy a network of satellites equipped with sensors and interceptors capable of detecting and neutralizing incoming missiles, even those launched from "the other side of the world" or from space. Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein, appointed to lead the project, emphasized the urgency of the initiative, warning that adversaries like Russia and China have rapidly modernized their arsenals. "Our adversaries have become very capable and very intent on holding the homeland at risk," Guetlein said. "It is time that we change that equation."

Golden Dome's eye-watering price tag

The Golden Dome’s $175 billion price tag has drawn scrutiny, with estimates suggesting costs could balloon to $831 billion over two decades. While Trump secured an initial $25 billion in funding through a defense package, the project’s long-term financing remains uncertain, tied to a contentious reconciliation bill facing Democratic opposition. Some lawmakers have raised concerns about the involvement of private firms like SpaceX, Palantir, and Anduril, though Trump insists the system will leverage Silicon Valley innovation to stay ahead of global rivals. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth hailed the project as a "generational investment," declaring it a "game changer" for national security.

A legacy of preparedness

Trump’s announcement fulfills a campaign promise to fortify U.S. defenses against emerging threats, particularly from Russia and China. The Golden Dome’s deployment will prioritize strategic locations, including Alaska, Florida, Georgia, and Indiana, with existing defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and RTX expected to play key roles. Canada has also expressed interest in joining the initiative, signaling broader North American collaboration under NORAD. Critics question the feasibility of the three-year timeline, but Trump remains confident. "It should be fully operational before the end of my term," he said. "We’ll have it done in about three years." The Golden Dome represents more than a military upgrade; it is a declaration of American resilience in an era of unprecedented global instability. By merging space-age technology with traditional defense infrastructure, the project aims to safeguard future generations from the specter of foreign missile attacks. As Trump and his administration push forward, the world watches to see if this modern-day "Star Wars" shield will redefine national security for decades to come. Sources for this article include: YourNews.com FoxNews.com Reuters.com

national security military technology Trump defense White House big government national defense missile defense WWIII weapons technology Golden Dome