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Topics: Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Politics, US News, SpaceX
Joshua Nair
Topics: Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Politics, US News, SpaceX
Donald Trump revealed that the US are looking to launch a revolutionary missile defence system.
The 47th US President has been very open when it comes to discussing the military, even floating the possibility of World War III at times.
But just yesterday (20 May), the 78-year-old held a meeting in the Oval Office to announce the concept of his Golden Dome missile defence system, which would include the US stationing weapons in space for the first time.
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The concept might sound familiar, as you might've heard of Israel's existing Iron dome, which is similar, though it is described as an 'all-weather air defence system'.
America's system is said to be able to detect missiles and stop them at any point of attack, from the point of launch until its descent, say the Trump administration.
The President said that the Golden Dome missile system will be 'cutting-edge' and will include a 'space-based sensors and interceptors'.
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He further set the target of the entire system being 'fully operational' by the end of this term in 2029, reports Sky News.
Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump told reporters that the system will be sharp enough to intercept missiles, wherever they are launched in the world.
He further claimed that Canada are interested of being part of it, stating: "As usual, we help Canada as best we can."
Following news of his bombshell tariffs and the promotion of locally-sourced materials, it was fitting that the President insisted that it would solely use manufacturers in the country.
The vice chief of space operations, General Michael Guetlein, will oversee the Dome's progress, while General Chance Saltzman, the head of the US Space Force claimed that space weapons 'represent new and emerging requirements for missions'.
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Trump announced that he has already set $25 billion aside to begin construction as a down payment, though he noted it would ultimately cost 'about $175 billion (£130.5 billion)'.
While this is already eye-watering enough, the Congressional Budget Office has placed the price far higher, more in the region of $542 billion (£405billion) over the next two decades in space-based equipment alone.
Despite the huge announcement, US Air Force secretary Troy Meink claimed it's all 'still in the conceptual stage', with no money allocated for the project yet.
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The move comes after warnings from the Pentagon about the US falling behind the likes of Russia and China when it comes to having the latest cutting technology in missiles.
The contract for the job is up for grabs, and people have taken to social media to share their predictions on who will get it.
One user said on X: "The so called golden dome is a scheme to give more money to Elon Musk."
Another added: "BREAKING: Trump just announced "Golden Dome" which would supposedly shut down all the missiles countries shoot at us. It could cost half a TRILLION per year. He'll give the contract to Elon Musk. But we can't afford Medicaid. Oh F*** OFF."
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"Donald Trump's 'Golden Dome,' which he'll award to Elon Musk, is a f***ing scam the likes of which have never been seen before," a third wrote, continuing: "A $25 billion 'down-posit,' which balloons into $175 billion? It reeks of waste, fraud, and abuse to me."
Reuters report that Elon Musk's Space X and two partners are frontrunners to be given a huge part of Trump's Golden Dome missile defence, according to sources.
The three companies are bidding to build important parts of the Golden Dome, which a lot of the tech sector are unsurprisingly interested in doing as well.
The move to firm up the USA's defence systems comes months after Trump claimed in January that a missile attack was 'the most catastrophic threat facing the United States.'
Musk is currently serving as an advisor to Trump as part of his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).