Trump Plans 'Golden Fleet' of Advanced Navy Warships to Counter China

President Donald Trump is actively pushing for the development of a new fleet of U.S. Navy warships called the "Golden Fleet," designed to counter growing threats from China. The plan involves replacing many current ships with larger, more powerful vessels, including ships weighing up to 20,000 tons equipped with long-range and potentially hypersonic missiles, alongside smaller frigates and unmanned vessels. Trump has been directly involved, discussing design specifics and expressing dissatisfaction with the aesthetics of existing Navy ships. While the new fleet aims to bolster America's maritime dominance, experts debate the practicality of large ships given modern naval warfare's demands, emphasizing the need for improved shipyards and maintenance. The build and design process could take up to a decade, raising concerns about readiness in the near term. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to maintain U.S. naval superiority amid China's rapid naval expansion.