President Donald Trump has revealed new details about his proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system, a multibillion-dollar project intended to protect the United States from foreign missile threats. During an Oval Office briefing on Tuesday, Trump stated the system could be operational within three years—before the end of his potential second term.
“We’ll have it done in three years,” Trump told reporters. “Once fully operational, the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles launched from anywhere in the world.” The plan draws inspiration from Israel’s Iron Dome but would operate on a vastly larger scale, covering the entire continental U.S. against advanced ballistic and hypersonic missiles.
Several major defense contractors and tech firms, including SpaceX, have reportedly expressed interest in the project, with some already pitching proposals to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. However, experts remain skeptical about the feasibility of such an expansive system within Trump’s proposed timeline and budget.
The administration estimates the project will cost approximately $175 billion, with $25 billion expected to come from spending cuts and tax reforms currently under consideration in Congress. Gen. Michael A. Guetlein, Vice Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force, has been tapped to lead the initiative.
Trump also mentioned that Canada has expressed interest in joining the project, seeking protection under the Golden Dome. A spokesperson for Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed ongoing discussions with U.S. officials about enhancing NORAD and other security collaborations, including the missile defense initiative.
In May, the Pentagon presented the White House with multiple development options, ranging from limited to full-scale deployment. While Trump did not specify which model was selected, he confirmed that an architectural framework for the system had been finalized.
Military analysts and former officials have cast doubt on the administration’s projections. Retired Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery suggested that even a partial missile defense system would take 7 to 10 years to develop and would likely only cover key government installations and major metropolitan areas. Other experts warn that costs could far exceed initial estimates, potentially reaching hundreds of billions.
The concept of a nationwide missile shield has been debated for decades but has never materialized due to technological and financial hurdles. The Defense Intelligence Agency recently highlighted growing threats from adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, which are advancing their ballistic and hypersonic missile capabilities.
China swiftly criticized Trump’s announcement, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning calling the project “offensive in nature” and warning that it could accelerate space militarization and trigger a global arms race.
Developing the Golden Dome would require unprecedented coordination between government agencies and private-sector partners, according to sources familiar with the planning process. While the proposal has reignited discussions about national security, significant technical, logistical, and diplomatic challenges remain before such a system could become reality.
As debates over feasibility and funding continue, the Golden Dome represents one of the most ambitious—and contentious—defense proposals in recent U.S. history.
