Headline Roundup • May 20th, 2025
Trump Announces Plan for 'Golden Dome' Missile Defense Shield
Summary from the AllSides News Team
President Donald Trump revealed a plan on Tuesday to develop a sophisticated missile defense shield, dubbed “Golden Dome,” predicting a $175 billion cost and a three-year timeline.
The Details: The Golden Dome will intercept missiles launched from any location worldwide and from space. The project is inspired by Israel’s “Iron Dome,” which protects the country from short-range missiles, such as those Iran launched against the nation last spring. Trump plans for the shield to be completed before the end of his term, with the Congressional Budget Office estimating a cost between $161 and $542 billion over the next 20 years.
From Critics: Military officials opposed to the project say they have not expressed a need for such an extensive shield, noting that the US is not under threat from either of its neighbors.
From Supporters: Missile defense expert Tom Karako said that “the truth is, we're pretty vulnerable” when it comes to threats like drones, cruise missiles, and hypersonic weapons. ABC News (Lean Left bias) notes that experts in favor believe the US is “long overdue” to improve its protections against aerial threats.
How the Media Covered It: ABC News reported some military experts’ criticisms but also included Karako’s and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s comments on its necessity to US safety. The Hill (Center) noted that Democrats are concerned about the potential involvement of Elon Musk via his company SpaceX. Newsmax (Right) emphasized Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein’s involvement in the project, which he compared to the Manhattan Project.
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Featured Coverage of this Story
Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
President Donald Trump on Tuesday unveiled plans to begin building a sophisticated new missile defense shield that could intercept threats from space, estimating the endeavor would cost some $175 billion and become operational in three years.
The project "Golden Dome," which will be led by Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein, echoes President Ronald Reagan's failed "Star Wars" program, which was criticized for being overly ambitious and siphoning money away from other national priorities. The White House cited advancements in technology as a reason why some of Reagan's vision was now possible.
President Trump on Tuesday announced that his ambitious, multibillion-dollar Golden Dome missile defense shield would only cost $175 billion to build and be “fully operational” in less than three years, defying earlier predictions for its price tag and timeline to field.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said the U.S. had officially selected the architecture for Golden Dome, an effort which will be led by Vice Chief of Space Operations Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein.
President Donald Trump is expected to announce that Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein will oversee the Golden Dome missile defense system.
Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were scheduled to discuss the Golden Dome effort Tuesday afternoon at the White House.
