Meet the General leading the US's most expensive defense project yet — the $1 trillion Trump ‘Golden Dome'
President Trump has revealed the Golden Dome missile defense initiative, a $175 billion project to establish America's first space-based defense shield. General Michael Guetlein, a space operations veteran, will lead the project, integrating space and ground technologies to intercept missile threats at all stages.
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General Michael Guetlein: Architect of America's Space Shield
What Is the 'Golden Dome' Missile Defense System?
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What Will the Golden Dome Cost?
US President Donald Trump has unveiled fresh details about the ambitious Golden Dome missile defense initiative — a $175 billion project aimed at placing America's first space-based defense shield into orbit. This groundbreaking system will integrate ground and space technologies to intercept missile threats at every stage of flight, marking a historic leap in U.S. military defense capabilities.At the helm of this project is General Michael Guetlein, a veteran leader in space operations, personally appointed by Trump to oversee its development. General Michael Anthony Guetlein brings more than 30 years of expertise in space and missile defense to the Golden Dome initiative. He currently serves as the Vice Chief of Space Operations in the U.S. Space Force. Previously, he commanded Space Systems Command (2021–2024) and served as Deputy Director of the National Reconnaissance Office (2019–2021).Born in Oklahoma on November 22, 1967, Guetlein joined the U.S. Air Force after graduating from Oklahoma State University in 1991. His decorated military career includes top honors such as the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, and two Legion of Merit awards — highlighting his leadership in advancing U.S. military and space technology.The Golden Dome will combine space-based interceptors and satellite sensors with existing ground-based missile defense systems. The goal: to detect and neutralize threats before launch or intercept them mid-air, providing a multi-layered shield against airborne and space-launched attacks.On the project President Trump earlier said, 'This is not just a defense shield, but a powerful deterrent to any aggressor contemplating an attack on the United States — even from space.'President Trump emphasized that Golden Dome represents the future of national security — a game-changer in missile defense. Unlike traditional systems focused on ground-level interception, this next-gen initiative will offer comprehensive protection through an integrated network of space and terrestrial defense assets.General Guetlein echoed the urgency, calling it a 'bold and aggressive strategy' to strengthen homeland defense in the face of rapidly evolving missile and space technologies.The initial research and development phase is expected to cost between $25 billion and $35 billion. However, full-scale deployment over the next two decades could bring total costs close to $1 trillion, making it one of the most expensive defense projects in U.S. history. Yet, military experts argue that it is a vital investment to protect the nation against emerging threats from both rival states and rogue actors.
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