Trump's "Golden Dome": A $500 Billion Boondoggle or Necessary Shield?

Trump's 'Golden Dome' Missile Shield: A $175 Billion Gamble? Former President Donald Trump's ambitious plan to create a space-based missile defense system, dubbed the "Golden Dome," has sparked debate. The project, estimated to cost $175 billion, could potentially balloon to over $500 billion and take two decades to complete. The report details the system's capabilities, intended to intercept ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles, even those launched from space. General Michael Guetlein will lead the project, with SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, and Palantir among the potential contractors. However, missile defense expert Tom Karako casts doubt on the feasibility, stating, "When you see that Golden Dome on a map, you understand that it will never be possible." China's concerns about escalating an arms race further underscore the complexities of this proposal.