Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ Missile Shield May Cost Over $500 Billion

Golden Dome: Trump’s Massive Missile Shield Moves Toward Launch

President Donald Trump’s ambitious “Golden Dome” missile defense system is inching closer to reality, with the Pentagon submitting multiple development plans to the White House. Trump is expected to select a preferred option soon — a decision that could shape national defense and spending for the next two decades.

While the Pentagon has carved out $25 billion in the 2026 defense budget, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) warns the system could ultimately cost over $500 billion.

“Whatever option Trump opts for, it won’t be cheap,” a senior defense official told CNN.

A Space-Based System with Unprecedented Scale

Unlike Israel’s Iron Dome, which targets short-range missile threats, the proposed Golden Dome is designed to defend the entire U.S. from ICBMs and hypersonic missiles. This requires a space-based network of satellites, sensors, and interceptors, backed by advanced command and control systems.

“It’s not just apples to oranges — it’s more like apples to aircraft carriers,” one official quipped, referring to comparisons between Golden Dome and Iron Dome.

The Defense Intelligence Agency recently released a report, “Golden Dome for America”, detailing threats from adversaries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

Private Sector Bidding Heats Up: SpaceX, Palantir, Anduril in the Race

The massive scope of Golden Dome means the U.S. government cannot build it alone. Private contractors are lining up for lucrative contracts, with SpaceX, Palantir, and Anduril already pitching plans to the Pentagon.

Sources confirm SpaceX briefed Trump officials and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who reportedly favored their proposal.

“Yes, SpaceX is probably the leading contender, but they’re the only legit shop in town for this right now,” a defense source said.

However, some Democrats have raised concerns over Elon Musk’s involvement, calling for an Inspector General review to ensure transparency in contract awards.

Execution Delays and Internal White House Frustration

Despite Trump’s January executive order mandating a plan by March 28, the White House didn’t receive the Pentagon’s proposal until nearly a month late. Insiders blame poor coordination inside Defense Secretary Hegseth’s office and staff turnover.

At one point, the White House waited three weeks for a simple memo to be signed — delaying the process.

Even with these setbacks, Trump remains committed to the project. Lawmakers have already approved $7.2 billion for sensors and $5.6 billion for interceptors and launch infrastructure in the upcoming budget.

Still Just a Concept – For Now

Despite Hegseth’s claims that “Golden Dome is under construction,” experts say the program remains largely conceptual.

“I’ve never seen an early estimate that was too high,” said Gen. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, US Space Force. “It’s the nature of the business.”

The system may eventually include 100+ programs, with one entirely new element: a central command-and-control layer to integrate the complex architecture.