Trump's 'Golden Dome' Missile Defence System Forecast to Cost $1.2 Trillion Over Two Decades

President Donald Trump's proposed 'Golden Dome' missile defence system, intended to shield the United States from ballistic and cruise missiles, is projected to incur a development, deployment, and operational cost of approximately $1.2 trillion over two decades, according to a recent report from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

This revised estimate represents a substantial increase from the initial $175 billion figure previously earmarked for the project. Acquisition costs alone are forecast to exceed $1 trillion, encompassing interceptor layers and a sophisticated space-based missile warning and tracking system, the watchdog detailed in its Tuesday report.

Trump unveiled his plans for the 'Golden Dome' system shortly after his return to the White House in January, asserting its necessity to counter 'next-generation' aerial threats. Senator Jeff Merkley, who requested the CBO estimate, characterised the initiative as a 'massive giveaway to defence contractors paid for entirely by working Americans.'

Scepticism persists regarding the feasibility of establishing a comprehensive defence system for such an expansive landmass. Furthermore, the Congressional Budget Office report warns that the proposed system could be 'overwhelmed' in the event of a full-scale assault from state adversaries such as Russia or China. Concerns have also been raised by officials that existing defence capabilities have failed to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated weaponry developed by potential adversaries.