Funding for the future US Navy Trump-class battleship sparks controversy in Congress
The class is planned to consist of a lead ship, USS Defiant (BBG-1), and another vessel. (Photo: US Navy)
Lawmakers question the US Navy’s proposed $2 billion investment in the Trump-class battleship as concerns over cost, technology maturity and operational relevance fuel growing bipartisan scrutiny on Capitol Hill.
The nearly US$2 billion the US Navy (USN) has requested in the next fiscal year to fund the procurement and R&D efforts for the lead vessel of Trump-class battleships (USS Defiant) is generating pushback in the US Congress, which could impact future investments in the programme.
Several lawmakers have been openly criticising the investment in a non-mature capability and claiming that the future platforms are not appropriate for the distributed operations concept the branch has been adopting.
During the House Appropriations Committee Markup of the FY2027 Defence Bill, on 24 June, the Democrat Representative for Connecticut, Rosa DeLauro, stated that
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Rheinmetall’s GMF 140: Ambitious frigate or market misfit?]()
Rheinmetall’s GMF 140: Ambitious frigate or market misfit?
Rheinmetall has unveiled its first next-generation frigate design, showing ambitions to compete as a surface combatant prime contractor. While the company is targeting North America, analysts believe the concept may be better positioned for future European programmes.
-
![US Navy $76.6bn award provides stability for submarine production]()
US Navy $76.6bn award provides stability for submarine production
The US Department of War’s US$76.6 billion Columbia-and Virginia-class submarine contract gives industry demand certainty as Washington seeks to rebuild its shipbuilding base.
-
![Dreadnought Phase 4 opens £2.5 billion supply chain opportunity]()
Dreadnought Phase 4 opens £2.5 billion supply chain opportunity
The UK government’s £8.4 billion Dreadnought Phase 4 investment sets aside £2.5 billion for the wider submarine supply chain, opening new work beyond BAE Systems’ prime contract.
