The article discusses President Trump's announcement last December regarding the construction of new 'Trump-class' super battleships as part of a strategy to establish the 'Golden Fleet.' According to the U.S. Navy, the new ships are expected to weigh over 35,000 tons, with plans for 20 to 25 vessels to eventually enter service. However, John Ferrari, a retired major general from the Army and a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, cautions that many uncertainties surround this ambitious plan.

The context of the Golden Fleet proposal stems from its earlier discussions by Trump, which gained momentum following his campaign for the 2024 election. Under the direction of Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, the conceptualization of this fleet took about a year before its official announcement. Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the initiative, there are significant questions regarding the feasibility of constructing the envisioned 25 battleships, particularly considering the lengthy timelines and potential changes in government priorities.

Further, the Navy has a history of struggling with various construction projects in the past, leading to skepticism about whether the first two ships will ever be completed or if the overall goal will be achievable. The article also touches on broader security concerns affecting the U.S. and its allies, such as the situations in Ukraine, Venezuela, Iran, and North Korea, which could redirect focus and funding away from such naval ambitions.