Saturday, March 29, 2025
Trump Plans ‘Golden Fleet’ to Counter China, Calls Current Warships Ugly
Date: October 27, 2025
US President Donald Trump, known for his unconventional leadership style, has unveiled an ambitious plan to build a “Golden Fleet” to strengthen America’s naval dominance and counter China in the Indo-Pacific.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump’s proposal envisions a fleet of advanced warships equipped with hypersonic missiles and cutting-edge technology — all painted in a distinct golden color. He reportedly dislikes the “ugly” appearance of current US Navy ships and believes the new fleet should symbolize American power and pride.
White House and Pentagon discussions are underway to assess the feasibility of the project. Each ship is expected to weigh between 15,000 and 20,000 tons and will be capable of deploying long-range hypersonic weapons. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly praised Trump’s “vision for a stronger Navy,” but declined to confirm details about the proposed fleet.
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper once said Trump told him that warships should “look powerful, not dull.” Trump reiterated this view recently at a Virginia conference, saying, “They say our ships are stealthy… No, they’re just ugly. A ship doesn’t have to be ugly to be stealthy.”
Navy Secretary John Fallon revealed that Trump’s fascination with warship design often leads to late-night inquiries — sometimes as early as 1 a.m. — about the progress of new ships or the status of rusting vessels in dockyards.
The “Golden Fleet” idea has drawn mixed reactions. Trump’s supporters call it a bold and patriotic move to project America’s maritime dominance. Critics, however, say the plan is wasteful and impractical. Defense analyst Mark Montgomery argued, “We should focus on combat readiness, not cosmetic redesigns. The Navy must be built on capability, not color.”
Amid escalating tensions with China, the US has been pushing to modernize its naval strength. Currently, the US Navy is one of the most powerful in the world, but Trump has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with how its ships look after long sea deployments. He reportedly wants a fleet that not only performs well but also “shines like gold” as a global symbol of American might.
