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Trump Announces Plan for New “Battleship,” Cites Aesthetic Concerns with Navy Ships
Updated December 23, 2023, 01:54:08 AM EST
Former president Donald Trump has unveiled plans for a new, large warship he’s calling a “battleship,” as part of a broader initiative to establish a “Golden fleet” for the U.S. Navy. During a recent announcement, Trump asserted the new ships would be “the fastest, the biggest, and by far 100 times more powerful than any battleship ever built.”
Trump’s Direct Involvement in Naval Design
This isn’t the first instance of Trump taking a personal interest in the aesthetics and design of Navy vessels. According to reports from his confirmation hearing, former Navy Secretary nominee, Josh Phelan, revealed that Trump frequently contacted him about the appearance of ships, even late at night. Phelan stated Trump “texted me numerous times very late at night, sometimes after one (o’clock) in the morning” regarding “rusty ships or ships in a yard, asking me what am I doing about it.”
In 2020, during a visit to a shipyard working on the now-canceled Constellation-class frigate, Trump claimed he personally altered the ship’s design. “I looked at it, I said, ‘That’s a terrible-looking ship, let’s make it beautiful,'” Trump said at the time, as reported by Defense news.
Trump reiterated his intention to play a direct role in designing the new warship, stating, “The U.S. Navy will lead the design of these ships along with me, because I’m a very aesthetic person.”
The “Golden Fleet” Concept and Battleship Revival
The concept of a “Golden Fleet” suggests a notable expansion and modernization of the U.S. Navy. While details are still emerging, the inclusion of a “battleship” is notable, as battleships were largely phased out of service after World War II due to their vulnerability to air and submarine attacks and their high maintenance costs. The last U.S. battleships were decommissioned in the early 1990s.
The claim of a ship being “100 times more powerful” than any previous battleship is a significant assertion that requires further clarification. Modern warships rely on different metrics of power – such as integrated combat systems, missile capabilities, and electronic warfare – than traditional battleships, which primarily focused on large-caliber guns and armor.
Here’s a comparison of key battleship characteristics to illustrate the shift in naval warfare:
| Feature | Iowa-Class Battleship (WWII Era) | Modern Cruiser (e.g.,Ticonderoga-Class) |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | ~58,000 tons | ~9,900 tons |
| Main Armament |
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