Trump Declares 'Golden Dome' Missile Defense Initiative

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump announced on May 20, 2025, the official launch of a new national missile defense program, referred to as the "Golden Dome", aimed at protecting the United States from a complete range of airborne threats, including ballistic and cruise missiles to hypersonic missiles.

Shedding light by Israel's Iron Dome, the Golden Dome will be upgraded to much larger capabilities, incorporating space sensors, satellite networks, and advanced interceptors. The proposal is a risky deviation from U.S. defense policy, emphasizing a multi-layer shield that can counter land, sea, air, and space-based threats.

A Space-Age Defense Vision

Unlike other missile defense programs, the Golden Dome will rely on hundreds of low-earth orbit satellites that form an active real-time detection and intercept grid. It will be able to track, target, and destroy incoming missiles at several points along their flight — from launch to re-entry — and deliver what Trump described as "the most advanced missile shield ever conceived."

The system is under the leadership of U.S. Space Force General Michael Guetlein and will be coordinated with military and aerospace partners.

Cost and Timeline

President Trump estimated the initial cost at $175 billion, with full deployment expected by 2029. However, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects the long-term cost, especially for space components, could exceed $540 billion over the next 20 years.

Experts estimated the time it would take to have full operational capability at between 5 and 10 years, depending on technological and geopolitical development.

Global Reactions

The news sparked swift and differing reactions globally:

North Korea condemned the project as "provocative and dangerous", warning it could trigger East Asian arms races.

China labeled the U.S. as "militarizing space" and warned it would take countermeasures to maintain regional security.

Canada was interested in joining the project, but President Trump informed Ottawa that to join it would cost $61 billion.

Strategic Impact

The Golden Dome represents a historic shift in American defense priorities where space combat is its rightful place as the center of national security. It poses enormous technical, diplomatic, and budgetary challenges, especially as other great powers develop rival technologies.

Even as the administration depicts the system as wholly defensive, critics argue it may violate international space accords and trigger a new wave of strategic rivalry in space.