US President Donald Trump on Monday announced the creation of a new “Trump-class” of Navy battleships, which will join the US Navy’s “Golden Fleet.” He described them as the largest battleships ever built, with plans to construct 20 to 25 ships, each boasting 100 times the firepower of existing vessels. Trump said, “We are building a Golden Fleet for the United States Navy. Many of our ships are old and obsolete. As Commander in Chief, I’ve approved construction of the largest battleships in history. They will be faster, bigger, and more powerful than anything else in the world.”

The ships, weighing between 30,000 and 40,000 tonnes, will be armed with nuclear weapons, missiles, and guns, making them among the most lethal warships ever. Trump noted, “We haven’t built a battleship since 1994. These cutting-edge vessels combine missiles with guns, which remain cost-effective in certain situations. We will start with two ships and ultimately build between 20 and 25.” Trump added that the battleships will feature advanced AI, sophisticated lasers, and will serve as the Navy’s flagships. “We have excellent naval yards and are negotiating with companies to construct these ships. The US Navy will lead their design alongside me,” he said.

The announcement comes amid heightened US maritime activity near Venezuela, including the seizure of two tankers and the recent pursuit of the vessel Bella 1 in international waters after it refused to stop. Trump emphasized that these “Trump-class” vessels will redefine naval power, combining historical battleship design with modern technology to ensure the US maintains a decisive edge at sea.