President Trump’s New Missile Defense Plan, Explained

President Trump is launching a bold new plan called the Golden Dome. Supporters say it’s the future of national security, while critics view it as a giveaway to the corporations backing the President.  

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What is this Dome, and where did the idea come from? This primer will help fill in the gaps. 

What is the Golden Dome?  

The Golden Dome is a newly proposed missile defense system. It would use hundreds of satellites to detect and destroy incoming long-range missiles. 

It will be overseen by Space Force General Michael Guetlein. Building the Golden Dome will require working with several private companies, and critics of the program worry that Elon Musk’s SpaceX will be chosen as the lead contractor. But considering that SpaceX completes projects years faster than NASA at a fraction of the cost, it makes sense that they are being considered for a contract. 

Is the Golden Dome new? 

While “Golden Dome” is a new moniker, the idea has been around for a while. 

The Golden Dome is based off Israel’s Iron Dome, a system that detects and shoots down rockets from terrorists in Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, or other countries targeting Israel.  

As early as June 2024, President Trump talked about building an “Iron Dome for America” on the campaign trail. Now, that promise is being kept.  

President Trump is also not the first American leader to propose a system like the Golden Dome. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan announced the Strategic Defense Initiative, a plan to develop space-based missile defense systems that could protect the U.S. from Soviet nukes, including lasers that could destroy missiles. 

President Reagan’s idea was widely criticized and nicknamed the “Star Wars program” for its far-fetched, futuristic ideas. The plan was never adopted.  

How much will the Golden Dome cost? 

The Golden Dome has a hefty price tag. President Trump says it will cost $175 billion, but the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the real price will be $500 billion.  

There’s also disagreement on when it will be ready. President Trump says it’ll be up and running by the time he leaves office, but the CBO says it’ll take 20 years.   

What Do You Think? 

So, is this the future of national security, or a risky space gamble? Let us know your thoughts: 


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