Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ Missile Shield Could Cost $1.2 Trillion, Report Warns
in Blog, Latest Updates, News on May 14, 2026New Report Raises Concerns Over Golden Dome Defense System
A new report by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has revealed that former US President Donald Trump’s proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system could cost around $1.2 trillion over the next 20 years.The estimated cost is far higher than the original $175 billion figure previously announced by Trump.According to the report, the massive defense project may still fail to fully protect the United States from a large-scale missile attack by countries such as Russia or China.
What Is the Golden Dome System?
The Golden Dome is a futuristic missile defense project designed to protect the US from advanced aerial threats, including:
- Ballistic missiles
- Cruise missiles
- Space-based attacks
- Next-generation weapons systems
Trump first introduced the idea shortly after returning to the White House in January, calling it a modern defense shield capable of intercepting missiles launched from anywhere in the world — even from space.
The system would include:
Space-Based Sensors
Used to detect missile launches quickly.
Missile Tracking Systems
Designed to monitor threats in real time.
Space Interceptors
Weapons intended to destroy enemy missiles before impact.
CBO Warns System May Not Stop Full-Scale Attack
Despite the huge investment, the Congressional Budget Office warned that the Golden Dome could still be overwhelmed during a major attack by powerful countries like Russia or China.
The report stated that:
- Acquisition costs alone could exceed $1 trillion
- Existing US defense systems are struggling to keep up with modern weapons
- Large-scale missile attacks may bypass or overload the system
Experts have also questioned whether such a defense system could realistically protect the entire United States due to its massive geographical size.
Political Criticism Over Rising Costs
Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley criticized the project and called it an expensive benefit for defense companies.
He said the Golden Dome would become:
A massive giveaway to defense contractors paid for entirely by working Americans.The White House and Pentagon have not yet officially responded to the latest report.
SpaceX and Lockheed Martin Win Contracts
Last month, major defense and technology companies including SpaceX and Lockheed Martin received contracts worth up to $3.2 billion to develop space-based missile interceptor prototypes for the system.The project remains one of the most ambitious and expensive military defense plans proposed in recent US history.
