Wed May 21 02:49:01 UTC 2025: **Trump Announces $175 Billion “Golden Dome” Missile Shield Plan, Faces Opposition from Russia and China**

**Washington D.C.** – Former President Donald Trump unveiled an ambitious plan on Tuesday to construct a comprehensive missile defense system dubbed the “Golden Dome,” aimed at protecting the United States from a wide range of missile threats. The proposed system, estimated to cost $175 billion, seeks to deploy advanced technologies across land, sea, and space, including space-based sensors and interceptors, with an initial funding of $25 billion.

“In the campaign I promised the American people I would build a cutting-edge missile defense shield,” Trump stated at the White House. “Today I am pleased to announce we have officially selected architecture for this state-of-the-art system.”

The Golden Dome, led by US Space Force General Michael Guetlein, is intended to intercept missiles launched from anywhere in the world, including space. Trump emphasized the system’s importance for the nation’s survival, adding that Canada has expressed interest in participating.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth clarified that the system would defend against cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, and drones, both conventional and nuclear.

The plan’s name draws inspiration from Israel’s Iron Dome, though the US system aims to counter significantly different, long-range threats. The 2022 Missile Defense Review highlighted growing threats from Russia and China, with Beijing closing the technology gap in ballistic and hypersonic missiles, and Moscow modernizing its missile systems. The review also noted the increasing drone threat and dangers from North Korea, Iran, and non-state actors.

However, the announcement has already drawn sharp criticism from Russia and China. Both nations condemned the Golden Dome plan as deeply destabilizing, warning that it could transform space into a battlefield. A statement released by the Kremlin asserted that the plan would significantly strengthen the US arsenal for combat operations in space.

Despite the international concerns, the US has gained valuable experience in missile defense, with US systems used effectively in Ukraine and American forces assisting in defense against attacks on Israel and ships in the Red Sea.

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