Trump and Hegseth announce naval expansion with new battleships and fleet, citing China threats and national security.

Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a major naval expansion, including the creation of a new “Trump-class” battleship and a 20- to 25-ship “Golden Fleet,” citing growing threats from China and the need to strengthen U.S. naval dominance. The initiative, unveiled at Mar-a-Lago, includes advanced warships and frigates based on Coast Guard designs, with the first vessel, the USS Defiant, set to replace older destroyers. The announcement coincides with a pause on five offshore wind projects over national security concerns and a recent U.S. seizure of an oil tanker near Venezuela, part of broader efforts to enforce sanctions and assert influence in Latin American waters.