Congressional Report Estimates $275 B Cost for 15 Nuclear-Powered Trump-Class Battleships

A recent CBO analysis projects that constructing 15 nuclear-propelled Trump-class battleships from 2027 through 2056 could cost up to $275 billion, averaging slightly more than $18 billion per ship. The inaugural vessel, USS Defiant, is estimated at $23 billion and would displace over 35,000 tons, stretch 840-880 feet, and exceed 30 knots, mounting a suite of missiles, hypersonic weapons, large lasers and a rail gun. Supporters, including Admiral Daryl Caudle, claim the class would provide unmatched surface combat capability and ample payload volume for future munitions.

Opponents such as the Cato Institute argue the ships are vulnerable, costly, and divert funds from more survivable platforms like submarines. The initiative, first promoted by Donald Trump and former Navy Secretary John Phelan, is now managed by Acting Secretary Hung Cao, who continues the push to revive U.S. shipbuilding through the Office of Shipbuilding.