A new report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that the first proposed “Trump-class” battleship could cost between $15.1 billion and $22 billion, potentially making it one of the most expensive warships in U.S. history.
According to the CBO, the projected cost reflects both the ship’s size and its advanced combat capabilities, including next-generation weapons systems, expanded missile capacity, and reinforced armor. The “Trump-class” design is intended to revive the concept of heavily armed surface combatants, combining traditional naval firepower with modern digital command systems.
Defense analysts say the proposed price tag surpasses that of the Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers, which each cost around $13 billion. Supporters argue that the battleship would serve as a powerful symbol of American strength and deterrence, while critics question whether such an investment is necessary in an era increasingly defined by unmanned and cyber warfare.
The U.S. Navy has not yet confirmed if or when it will commission the design, but lawmakers are expected to debate funding options in the coming months as part of the 2027 defense budget discussions.
