President Donald Trump on Tuesday formally announced the Golden Dome, a next-generation missile defense system designed to safeguard the United States homeland from a full spectrum of airborne threats—including hypersonic, ballistic, advanced cruise missiles, and even launches from space.
“This is a historic moment,” Trump said at the White House Rose Garden, calling the Golden Dome the fulfillment of a longstanding campaign promise to deliver “the most advanced missile shield ever conceived.” He added that the system would achieve “near 100 percent success” at intercepting incoming threats.
Layered, Multi-Domain Architecture
The Golden Dome will layer new capabilities onto existing land-, sea-, and space-based defenses. Key features include:
- Space-Based Sensors and Interceptors: Satellites equipped with advanced tracking and kinetic interceptors will patrol low-earth orbit.
- Next-Generation Ground Batteries: Mobile launchers on U.S. soil to provide rapid local response.
- Naval Integration: A flotilla of guided-missile warships fitted with upgraded radar and interceptor missiles.
“By integrating these platforms into a seamless shield, the Golden Dome will protect every corner of our nation,” Trump said. In addition, he noted that Canada has also expressed interest in joining the program to protect its territory. Therefore, negotiations are already underway to expand the Golden Dome to the entire North America.
Trump said the system would be fully operational within three years. He called on Congress to pass a “one big beautiful bill” immediately, requesting $20 billion in initial funding and projecting a total program cost of $175 billion.
Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Jim Banks (R-IN) all voiced strong support on Capitol Hill, pledging to secure the necessary appropriations and authorizations. Banks described the Golden Dome as “the essential next step in finishing what President Reagan started with the Strategic Defense Initiative.”
Trump emphasized that all components of the Golden Dome will be manufactured in the United States, creating thousands of high-tech jobs. He emphasized the importance of Indiana companies and Silicon Valley innovations. Major defense and aerospace companies are already preparing bids.
General Mike Gatline of the US Space Force will lead the program and report directly to the president.
When asked about the role of Elon Musk (SpaceX) in the creation of the Golden Dome, Trump evaded a direct answer: “We'll see,” and emphasized ”unique American technology”. This answer echoes Politico's publication, in which it's noted that Trump no longer mentions Elon Musk in his social media posts, and Republican insiders say he is “done.”