By The Media Line Staff

US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the United States has selected a concept for its ambitious “Golden Dome” missile defense system, a $175 billion project that aims to protect the US from advanced missile threats by deploying weapons in space. Speaking from the White House, President Trump said the system was designed to intercept incoming missiles at every stage of flight and could be operational before the end of his term in 2029.

Inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome but vastly more complex, the Golden Dome would rely on a network of ground and space-based systems, including satellites and interceptors. “Once fully constructed, the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world,” the president said.

President Trump emphasized the system would be built entirely within the United States and led by Gen. Michael Guetlein, vice chief of space operations. He added that Canada had expressed interest in participating and receiving protection under the shield. “We will work with Canada on pricing,” he said.

While the administration has projected a $175 billion price tag and a three-year construction timeline, experts and former officials have cast doubt on both the feasibility and cost. The Congressional Budget Office estimated the space-based elements alone could reach $542 billion over two decades.

The project has already drawn international criticism. China and Russia denounced the plan as “deeply destabilizing,” warning it would militarize space and risk escalating global tensions. Critics in the US have also raised concerns over the involvement of private firms such as SpaceX, Palantir, and Anduril.

There is no congressional funding yet for the Golden Dome, which remains in the conceptual phase as the Pentagon drafts formal capability requirements.