Trump Picks $175B ‘Golden Dome’ Missile Defense Plan/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump has selected a $175 billion space-based missile defense concept called “Golden Dome.” The unprecedented plan includes deploying weapons in orbit to intercept missiles at every stage of flight. Critics warn the project is costly, conceptual, and could militarize space.
Golden Dome Missile Defense Quick Looks
- Trump selects $175 billion Golden Dome missile shield concept.
- System to include space-based interceptors for the first time.
- Trump claims it will be “fully operational by 2029.”
- Gen. Michael Guetlein named as project overseer.
- Defense system designed to intercept missiles in all four flight stages.
- Pentagon planners offered three cost tiers — Trump chose “high.”
- CBO warns space segment may cost $542B over 20 years.
- China, Russia say plan is “destabilizing,” could spark space arms race.
- No congressional funding secured yet; $25B requested in Trump tax bill.
- U.S. Northern Command still writing system requirements.
Deep Look: Trump Taps $175 Billion ‘Golden Dome’ Plan with Eye on Space Missile Defense
WASHINGTON — May 21, 2025 — President Donald Trump on Tuesday officially selected the framework for his “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative, a $175 billion vision that would make the United States the first country to deploy space-based weapons to intercept incoming threats.
Flanked by a dramatic poster of a gold-colored U.S. map and artist renderings of midair missile strikes, Trump announced from the Oval Office that the Golden Dome system would be “fully operational before the end of my term in 2029,” with capabilities to destroy missiles “even if they are launched from space.”
While that timeline is viewed as ambitious, defense officials say an initial operating capability could emerge before 2029. A senior U.S. official briefed on the project, speaking anonymously, confirmed the administration had selected the “high-tier” version of the Golden Dome proposal — one that leans heavily on space-based interceptors and sensors.
What Is Golden Dome?
Golden Dome is designed to stop enemy missiles at any stage of their trajectory, from pre-launch all the way to terminal descent:
- Pre-launch detection
- Boost phase interception
- Midcourse neutralization in space
- Final-stage interception before impact
While the U.S. already has missile defense systems like Patriot and THAAD, the Golden Dome would incorporate orbiting satellites armed with interceptors to address threats such as hypersonic weapons developed by China and Russia.
Leadership and Next Steps
Trump has assigned Gen. Michael Guetlein, currently vice chief of space operations, to oversee the project’s execution.
Despite the presidential push, the Pentagon has not yet finalized system requirements, and development is still in the conceptual phase. The U.S. Northern Command and the Pentagon are currently drafting the initial capabilities document — a formal roadmap for what the missile shield should achieve.
Air Force Secretary Troy Meink acknowledged in Senate testimony Tuesday that the system “is still in its early planning stages.”
Budget and Backlash
Trump’s administration is requesting an initial $25 billion in funding through its proposed tax-and-defense spending bill. However, Congressional Budget Office (CBO) analysts estimate that the space-based elements alone could eventually cost $542 billion over 20 years.
Internationally, the Golden Dome has already triggered concern. In a joint statement, Russia and China condemned the plan as “deeply destabilizing,” warning that it risks turning outer space into a military theater.
Trump said he has not yet discussed the system with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but added, “At the right time, we will.”
Why Now? A New Arms Race Above Earth
The announcement comes amid heightened concern about anti-satellite weapons being developed by foreign adversaries. The U.S. intelligence community has previously warned that Russia is testing nuclear-capable orbital weapons that could knock out entire satellite constellations.
Gen. Chance Saltzman, head of the U.S. Space Force, said Golden Dome’s space-based weapons represent “missions never before accomplished” by U.S. military space programs.
Trump initially directed the Pentagon to develop the concept in a January executive order, aligning the defense initiative with his broader “America First” security doctrine.
Political Challenges Ahead
Although Trump has thrown his weight behind the project, funding and bipartisan support remain uncertain. Critics say Trump’s decision to approve a concept before requirements are finalized breaks with decades of Pentagon procurement protocol.
Still, Trump insists the system is essential to defend against “the most advanced threats in the world” and says it’s “non-negotiable” that America lead in missile defense and space power.
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