Speaking at a White House press conference, Trump stated that Golden Dome would “protect our homeland,” and confirmed Canada’s interest in participating. Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office said discussions with U.S. officials “naturally include strengthening NORAD and related initiatives such as the Golden Dome.”
According to a statement from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the initiative marks a “historic investment in American security” and fulfils a core Department of Defense (DoD) objective: protecting the homeland from advanced missile threats. “The Golden Dome will progressively protect our nation from aerial attacks from any foe,” Hegseth said, noting the growing dangers posed by ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles, some of which may carry nuclear warheads.
President Trump announced the Golden Dome missile defense shield to protect the homeland from advanced missile threats.
Included in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, this project aims to ensure American security. Congress must pass the bill and send it to the President’s desk. pic.twitter.com/U0gwZ9DNnV
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 21, 2025
The Golden Dome is being developed as a “system of systems,” with a phased deployment that will prioritise defence where the threat is most acute. Hegseth highlighted that the programme will integrate next-generation technologies with existing missile defence capabilities to meet “the evolving and complex threat landscape.”
Trump said the system should be operational by the end of his term in January 2029, though experts remain cautious. “Ronald Reagan wanted it many years ago, but they didn’t have the technology,” Trump noted, referencing the earlier “Star Wars” programme.
The DoD’s plan includes space-based interceptors and sensors, requiring seamless integration with existing ground, sea, and air defences. The department stressed the system will not replace current missile defences, but enhance them through full interoperability with NORAD, USNORTHCOM, and USSPACECOM.
The Pentagon is working with the Office of Management and Budget and Congress to secure an initial $25 billion through the One Big Beautiful reconciliation bill, targeting key capabilities needed for the FY 2026 budget. “We look forward to continuing that work with Congress to secure funding for critical capabilities,” the DoD stated.
Tom Karako of the Center for Strategic and International Studies acknowledged the $175 billion estimate, but questioned the timeframe, saying, “It’s probably 10 years.” He added that U.S. software and defence technologies could drive innovation while building on current systems.
The Congressional Budget Office recently estimated the Golden Dome could cost up to $831 billion over two decades. Despite the funding uncertainty, the Department of Defense reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a strong and credible deterrent, stating: “Our goal is peace through strength. Golden Dome ensures that the American homeland is not left exposed.”
