Trump Launches $175 Billion “Golden Dome” Missile Shield to Counter China And Russia
U.S. President Donald Trump has officially unveiled the Golden Dome, a $175 billion space-based missile defense program designed to shield the United States from emerging threats posed by China and Russia. The initiative, announced at a White House press conference on Tuesday, is poised to become a signature element of Trump’s defense doctrine and marks one of the most ambitious military technology undertakings in recent history.
The Gaze reports on this with reference to Reuters.
Trump named U.S. Space Force General Michael Guetlein as director of the project, which envisions a network of hundreds of satellites capable of detecting, tracking, and intercepting hostile missile launches in their earliest phases. “The Golden Dome will protect our homeland and strengthen our dominance in space,” Trump declared. He added that Canada had expressed interest in joining the effort as part of broader NORAD modernization talks.
The Golden Dome is widely seen as a revival of Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative, commonly known as “Star Wars,” but updated for the 21st century. Unlike Israel’s land-based Iron Dome, which inspired the project’s name, Trump’s plan includes a layered space system: a web of surveillance satellites paired with armed interceptor platforms intended to destroy missiles seconds after liftoff.
While the White House touts Golden Dome as a revolutionary step forward, the program has already drawn political scrutiny. Democratic lawmakers have questioned the lack of oversight in the procurement process and raised alarms over the possible role of Elon Musk’s SpaceX – a close Trump ally. Alongside SpaceX, tech-forward defense firms such as Palantir and Anduril are being considered for key roles, signaling a move away from traditional defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and RTX.
“The future of missile defense is driven by software, autonomy, and space-based platforms, not just steel and hardware,” said Senator Kevin Cramer, highlighting the growing role of Silicon Valley in national security.
Trump emphasized that the project would generate jobs and investments in states like Alaska, Florida, Georgia, and Indiana.
Beyond its military scope, Golden Dome represents a dramatic escalation in U.S. space defense policy. Its success could redefine missile deterrence, international defense cooperation, and America’s role in space-based security.
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