Trump Golden Dome Missile Defense: $175B Plan Unveiled

In a major defense announcement that is being reported everywhere, U.S. President Donald Trump disclosed the design and management team of his much-anticipated Golden Dome missile defense system. The project, costing an eye-popping $175 billion, is a means of protecting the United States – and perhaps its partners – from missile threats from international adversaries such as China and Russia.

The announcement, released on May 20, 2025, during a press conference at the White House, represents perhaps one of the most audacious military undertakings in recent U.S. history and is a prominent part of Trump’s developing national security plan.

General Michael Guetlein to Manage Golden Dome Project

Furthermore, Trump named General Michael Guetlein from the U.S. Space Force as lead program manager of the Golden Dome project. Guetlein has extensive experience in space operations and missile defense systems and is considered a tactical choice to lead the highly-technical and politically sensitive project.

“Trump declared from the Oval Office that the Golden Dome will protect our country while allowing us to stay ahead of the developing threat.” Also, he stated that Canada is interested in joining the project, possibly indicating a broader international collaboration.

What is the Golden Dome?

Inspired by the Iron Dome missile defense on land in Israel, the Golden Dome will work in a much larger, more space-based way. Therefore, the idea is to launch multiple satellites and have an entire detection and interception system in space.

Unlike the Israeli version, the Golden Dome is designed to have two separate tiers of defense:

• Monitoring satellites to identify and watch missiles usually in short order
• Interceptor satellites that can destroy missiles that are launched towards the United States immediately after launch.
• The system, first proposed by Trump in January 2025, is a way for America to gain a technological edge in missile defense in the midst of growing global tensions.

Political Hurdles and Cost Issues

The Golden Dome faces significant political scrutiny and financial uncertainty that run counter to its strategic aims. So, democrats have raised concerns about the cost and the transparency of the procurement process.

Primary concerns are:

• The sheer size of the $175 billion spend
• Concerns about single-sourcing or favoritism related to vendors
• The significant involvement of Trump’s supporter Elon Musk’s SpaceX, who is purportedly the prime defendant to meaningful contract work
• The engagement of defense technology firms like Palantir and Anduril who will have a large ability to shape this project.
• Opposition leaders are asking if the quickness of this project – especially close to an election – is not political.

Technological Competition against Global Threats

Supporters argue the urgency of the Golden Dome project is based on the fast improvements being made to missile programs from China, Russia and North Korea, and urgency attached to recent satellite intelligence and missile launches to upgrade U.S. strategic defense.

The Pentagon is expected to initiate the first testing and acquisition phases immediately after the announcement. This phase will involve pilots testing sensors, communications and missile interceptors that can be operated in space.

The Department of Defense will manage the collaboration of multiple private and public sector organizations that will deliver the system—a process that will take years and multiple administrations.

An Audacious Move with Global Reverberations

This announcement signifies the rebirth of the focus on defense as a priority for the Trump administration. It has reignited the conversation around private space companies creating national security capacity. As the defense industry looks more for strategic advantages in space, the Golden Dome (sept. 21) could become the new standard in global military deterrence.

However, while still in its early stages, Golden Dome is once again trending news today, and there is demonstrably much to weigh in its lofty ambitions, and the controversy surrounding it. How Golden Dome transforms, will no doubt shape America’s defense capabilities—and politics—for years to come.