President Donald Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth have unveiled their most definitive strategy for the ‘Golden Dome‘ missile defense initiative, which will involve deploying weapons in space for the first time.
During a press conference at the White House on Tuesday, Trump announced that he had ‘officially chosen a framework’ for the system, aimed at neutralizing ‘hypersonic missiles, ballistic missiles, and advanced cruise missiles.’ ‘I promised the American people that I would establish a state-of-the-art missile defense shield to safeguard our nation from the dangers of foreign missile threats,’ Trump stated to reporters in the Oval Office.
President Trump announced the Golden Dome missile defense shield to protect the homeland from advanced missile threats.
Included in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, this project aims to ensure American security. Congress must pass the bill and send it to the President’s desk. pic.twitter.com/U0gwZ9DNnV
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 21, 2025
He further explained that the Golden Dome system would incorporate ‘space-based sensors and interceptors.’ ‘Once fully operational, the Golden Dome will have the capability to intercept missiles even if they are launched from the opposite side of the globe or from space,’ Trump added. ‘We will possess the most advanced system ever created.’
This announcement follows less than four months after Trump signed an executive order initiating the program’s development. General Michael Guetlein, currently the vice chief of space operations at Space Force, is set to oversee the initiative.
At the event, Hegseth praised the plan as a ‘transformative development’ and a ‘long-term investment in the security of America and its citizens.’
The White House has yet to provide additional information regarding the missile defense system, while the Pentagon continues to assess its capabilities and requirements. Earlier this month, the Congressional Budget Office projected that the space-based elements of the Golden Dome could reach a cost of $542 billion over the next two decades. It emphasized that a significant number of sensors and interceptors would be essential for the effectiveness of a space-based system, especially as foreign military capabilities, such as those of North Korea, become more advanced.
However, on Tuesday, Trump presented a significantly lower estimate and timeline. He stated, ‘It should be fully operational before the end of my term. So, we’ll have it done in about three years,’ estimating the total cost to be around $175 billion, with plans to utilize existing defense resources for the system’s development. Nevertheless, funding for the initiative has not yet been secured.
During the news conference on Tuesday, Trump confirmed his request for $25 billion for the system as part of a tax cut bill currently under consideration in Congress, although this amount may be reduced due to ongoing discussions.
The overall cost of the project is expected to vary, with the Associated Press reporting that an unnamed government official indicated Trump had received three different versions of the plan, labeled as ‘medium’, ‘high’, and ‘extra high’.
The tiers were linked to the number of satellites, sensors, and interceptors planned for deployment in the program. According to reports, Trump opted for the ‘high’ tier, which has an estimated initial cost between $30 billion and $100 billion.
Concerns regarding the feasibility of a space-based defense system
While outlining his vision for the Golden Dome on Tuesday, Trump referenced various influences, including Israel’s ‘Iron Dome’ missile defense system, partially funded by the US. He also acknowledged the contributions of the late President Ronald Reagan, who was in office during the Cold War in the 1980s. Reagan proposed a nuclear defense strategy in 1983 as part of his Strategic Defense Initiative, which included space-based technologies.
Trump stated, ‘We will truly be completing the job that President Reagan started 40 years ago, forever ending the missile threat to the American homeland.’ However, concerns remain regarding the feasibility of a space-based defense system, its costs, and the potential for a new arms race.
Democrats have raised questions about Elon Musk’s SpaceX, a leading contender among tech firms aiming to develop essential components of the system. A coalition of 42 Democratic lawmakers has requested an investigation into Musk’s involvement in the bidding process, citing his role as a special adviser to Trump and his significant campaign contributions. ‘If Mr. Musk were to exert undue influence over the Golden Dome contract, it would exemplify a troubling pattern of disregarding conflict of interest regulations,’ the Democrats stated in their letter, urging the investigation.
On Tuesday, Trump did not answer directly when asked about the companies participating in the Golden Dome project. Instead, he emphasized that the system would benefit industries in states such as Alaska, Indiana, Florida, and Georgia, adding, ‘Canada has reached out to us, expressing interest in being involved. We will be in discussions with them.’
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