Trump Announces $175B Golden Dome Missile Defense System

President Donald Trump announced the selection of the architectural design for the 'Golden Dome' missile defense system, intended to protect the United States from foreign missile threats. The project is estimated to cost around $175 billion, with an initial $25 billion proposed for construction funding in an upcoming Republican budget package. The system aims to deploy next-generation technologies across land, sea, and space, including space-based sensors and interceptors, and is expected to be operational within two and a half to three years, before the end of Trump's second term. Trump highlighted that the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles launched from anywhere globally, including from space, and emphasized that all components will be made in the U.S. The project will involve multiple states and unnamed American defense and technology companies, with Canadian involvement also desired. The missile defense shield is inspired by Israel's Iron Dome but is claimed to be more advanced, and U.S. Space Force General Michael Guetlein will serve as the lead program manager.