President Donald Trump revealed plans on December 22, 2025, to co-lead the design of a new class of U.S. Navy ships named after himself. Speaking at Mar-a-Lago, Trump outlined the creation of “Trump-class” battleships, which are expected to be ready in the early 2030s, with the first vessel to be called USS Defiant.

Trump described the ships as “the largest, deadliest and most versatile and best-looking warship anywhere on the world’s oceans,” emphasizing both military capability and aesthetic design. He noted that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will collaborate on the project, alongside him personally, citing his own eye for design.

The Trump-class vessels are intended to anchor a revitalized U.S. naval presence, dubbed the “Golden Fleet,” and are expected to feature advanced weaponry, next-generation missile systems, and cutting-edge defensive technologies. Officials highlight that the ships aim to assert maritime dominance and enhance strategic deterrence amid global naval competition.

Trump’s announcement represents one of the most ambitious naval initiatives in decades, signaling a dramatic shift in U.S. naval strategy and the reintroduction of large surface combatants into the fleet. Analysts note the potential for these ships to both modernize the Navy and showcase American technological and industrial capabilities.