Former President Donald Trump presented his vision for a new generation of U.S. Navy warships on Monday, but the proposed "Trump Class" battleships immediately encountered a wave of skepticism and mockery across social media platforms.
The "Golden Fleet" Vision
Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump announced the development of two new battleships. He claimed these vessels would be "the fastest, the biggest and by far 100 times more powerful than any battleship ever built." The former president, describing himself as a "very aesthetic person," stated he would collaborate with the U.S. Navy on the design. The administration's ambitious goal is to construct up to 25 of these ships, contributing to what Trump termed a "Golden Fleet."
Released renderings, including one of a vessel named the "USS Defiant," depicted a warship firing what looked like a laser beam and launching missiles. Notably, the design featured an illustrated logo of Trump raising his fist—a pose reminiscent of his response following the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, last year.
Naval Experts and Public Pour Scorn Online
The announcement was swiftly criticized on social media. Malcolm Nance, a retired U.S. Navy intelligence officer, author, and media commentator, led the charge. He sarcastically suggested the design was sourced from a children's toy line, writing, "WHOEVER DESIGNED THE TRUMP CLASS 'BATTLESHIP' GOT THE DESIGN FROM GI JOE." He further criticized the proposed weapon systems, including what appeared to be a rail gun concept previously rejected by the Navy.
Other users highlighted perceived contradictions in national priorities. One comment questioned, "No money for healthcare, but enough for 20-25 battleships," while another user pointed out the trend of attaching Trump's name to institutions, calling the latest proposal "seriously fucking insane."
Technical and Strategic Doubts Surface
The criticism extended beyond politics into technical and strategic realms. Naval historian and professor Alessio Patalano sought to correct the record, stating clearly, "The Trump class battleship is just a very large cruiser. And not a pretty or creative one at that. And definitely not the largest battleship built by the US." He urged media to stop reporting the claim about its size without context.
Additional mockery focused on the ship's apparent limited armament, with one observer noting it "appears to have like four guns total," and others deriding the very naming of the "Trump Class." The online reaction underscores the contentious nature of the proposal, blending defense policy with the former president's personal branding efforts.
