Trump Plans $25B Golden Dome Missile Defense Announcement

President Donald Trump is set to announce further details on the Golden Dome missile defense system, a multi-layered homeland defense initiative aimed at protecting the U.S. from missile threats, including hypersonic missiles developed by China and Russia. The project, expected to be led by Space Force Vice Chief Gen. Michael Guetlein, seeks to integrate existing Pentagon programs with new technologies like space-based sensors and interceptors, including lasers, to detect and neutralize threats shortly after launch. While inspired by Israel's Iron Dome, the Golden Dome would cover a far larger area and involve a more comprehensive array of defense systems. The initiative, which Trump began through an executive order shortly after his inauguration, faces skepticism from some Democrats and experts regarding its feasibility and cost, with estimates running into tens of billions of dollars. Congressional Republicans have proposed allocating $25 billion for the project, signaling a move toward implementation despite political scrutiny and funding uncertainties. The announcement will be made alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, outlining the Pentagon's recommendations and the implementation plan for this ambitious missile defense effort.