President Donald Trump announced a sweeping national defense initiative on Tuesday, introducing what he called the “Golden Dome,” a next-generation missile defense system aimed at protecting the U.S. homeland from the evolving threat of advanced missile technology. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said the project would be completed by the end of his term and would establish America’s most advanced missile shield to date.
The defense system, projected to cost $175 billion, will be designed to intercept ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles—even those launched from space or across the globe. “We will have the best system ever built,” Trump said. “We will truly be completing the job that President Reagan started 40 years ago, forever ending the missile threat to the American homeland.”
The initiative marks a significant shift in strategic focus, returning attention to the U.S. homeland after decades of overseas engagements. Trump emphasized the project’s importance to national survival, describing the world as increasingly hostile and unstable. “It’s an evil world out there, so this is something that goes a long way toward the survival of this great country,” he said.
The plan will begin with a $25 billion appropriation included in a broader spending bill currently making its way through Congress. Trump originally introduced the concept in January, directing the Department of Defense via executive order to begin drafting the architecture for the missile shield.
Standing alongside Trump were Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Space Force General Michael Guetlein, both of whom have been tasked with leading the effort. Guetlein warned of the accelerating capabilities of foreign adversaries, stating, “Our adversaries have been quickly modernizing their nuclear forces…building out hypersonic missiles capable of attacking the United States within an hour and traveling at 6,000 miles an hour.”
Hegseth added that the Golden Dome would rely on a network of space-based interceptors and sensors and would be developed in phases. Strategic guidance will come from NORAD, U.S. Northern Command, and U.S. Space Command to ensure alignment with ongoing continental defense efforts.
Trump also revealed that Canada has expressed interest in joining the program, with commitments to contribute financially if included. The president highlighted the importance of allied cooperation while affirming that the United States will lead the effort to safeguard North America from increasingly agile and unpredictable missile threats.
The proposal mirrors earlier efforts from the Reagan administration but leverages modern technology to meet today’s threats. Where previous missile defense concepts were limited by technology or political resistance, the Golden Dome signals a renewed commitment to building a homeland defense system with the capability to counter even the fastest and most elusive weapons.
This initiative reflects a larger strategic posture—one that prioritizes American security at home, not just abroad. In an era of rapidly evolving threats, especially from nations like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, a fully operational missile shield could serve as both a deterrent and a defensive necessity. By investing in space-based interceptors and layered protection, the United States is reasserting its right to defend its citizens on its own soil, using the most advanced tools available.
