Critics Shoot Down Trump’s Proposed Golden Dome As Costly, Ambitious, and Ill-Advised

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President Donald Trump has announced plans to build a $175 billion missile defense system, dubbed the “Golden Dome,” that he claims will be completed before his current term ends. The program, modeled in part after Israel’s Iron Dome, would combine satellites, interceptors, and sensors to defend against attacks from land, air, and space. But while the pitch aligns with Trump’s hardline defense stance, the execution appears fraught with uncertainty.

Officials say the Golden Dome is designed to protect the U.S. from cruise missiles, hypersonic weapons, drones, and ballistic threats. General Michael Guetlein of the Space Force will lead the project. Depending on scale, the system could involve hundreds or even thousands of satellites. Trump framed the shield as a continuation of former President Ronald Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative. Yet critics immediately flagged the program’s scale as far beyond current capabilities.

The Golden Dome: A Price Tag That’s Hard to Justify

Trump’s estimate of $175 billion over three years conflicts with projections from the Congressional Budget Office. Their analysis shows the cost could range from $161 billion to more than $800 billion, depending on launch costs and system design. Lawmakers have raised alarms, with Republican Senator Tim Sheehy warning that the real cost might land in the trillions.

Critics also point out the size gap between the U.S. and Israel. The Iron Dome protects an area about the size of New Jersey. Applying that model to the U.S., a country 400 times larger, requires more than just replication. It demands breakthroughs in technology that experts say are still years away. At best, a scaled-down version might be functional within a decade.

Strategic Doubts and Political Pushback

While the Golden Dome appeals to Trump supporters, national security experts warn its promised effectiveness may be overstated. In a recent hearing, Sen. Angus King asked whether any system could realistically intercept a massive strike from nuclear powers like Russia or China. There is concern that space-based interceptors might not reduce threats but instead increase global tensions.

The Pentagon has reviewed several design options. SpaceX, Palantir, and Anduril have already submitted proposals. However, the contracting process is now under scrutiny. A group of 42 Democratic lawmakers wants an investigation into the selection process and the involvement of Trump allies. This includes Elon Musk, whose companies once again stand to gain from the initiative.

Global Reactions and Security Ramifications

Elsewhere, Chinese officials quickly condemned the Golden Dome project. They argue that it could trigger a new arms race and heighten the risk of space militarization. Canadian officials, by contrast, have expressed tentative interest in participating. Their cooperation may depend on broader NORAD agreements and future security talks with the U.S.

Beyond geopolitical risks, there are domestic concerns. The $25 billion allocated from Trump’s domestic spending bill is still pending congressional approval. Meanwhile, experts worry that the program could drain resources from more immediate national defense needs. The military continues to face gaps in cybersecurity, infrastructure, and modernization, all of which remain underfunded.

While the Golden Dome project is a bold initiative, it echoes of Reagan’s doomed Star Wars program. It reflects a political vision more than a confirmed technical roadmap. Whether it becomes reality or another high-cost promise will depend on time, funding, and what voters choose to support. In addition, many see the project as another opportunity for businesses close to the President to take advantage of him to profit off the government.

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