Chicago – December 23, 2025
US President Donald Trump has announced the creation of a new category of heavily armed naval vessels that will carry his name a rare distinction typically given only to former leaders after leaving office.
Speaking on Monday at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, Trump revealed plans for the Trump-class warships, describing them as some of the most powerful surface combat ships ever built by the United States. Initially, two vessels will be constructed, though Trump indicated that the fleet could expand significantly in the future.
According to the president, the ships will be between 30,000 and 40,000 tons, making them far larger than current US destroyers and cruisers. While still slightly smaller than the historic Iowa-class battleships retired in the 1990s, the Trump-class ships are expected to surpass them in firepower and technology.
The warships will be equipped with advanced missiles, heavy guns, and next-generation weapons currently under development, including lasers and hypersonic missiles. Trump also stated that the vessels would have the capability to carry nuclear-armed sea-launched cruise missiles, adding to their strategic importance.
The announcement was made in the presence of key US officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Navy Secretary John Phelan, with visual displays of the proposed ship designs showcased nearby.
When asked whether the new warships were intended as a response to China’s growing naval power, Trump declined to single out Beijing. Instead, he said the ships would serve as a deterrent to all potential adversaries, emphasizing that the US maintains positive relations with China.
If completed as outlined, the Trump class warships would represent a major shift in American naval strategy, signaling a renewed focus on large, heavily armed surface vessels designed for global dominance.
