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Trump's 'Golden Dome' to cost $1.2 tn, watchdog estimates
The Congressional Budget Office estimates the Golden Dome missile defense program would cost about $1.2 trillion over two decades, far exceeding the initial $175 billion earmark. The plan was unveiled by Trump after his return to the White House, with SpaceX and Lockheed Martin winning related contracts in April 2026, while earlier projections had suggested smaller costs.
Why It Matters
The large cost estimate raises questions about feasibility and funding for a sweeping defense program, while the CBO cautions the system could be vulnerable to a major attack by peers.
Timeline
4 Events
CBO cost estimate for Golden Dome
May 12, 2026
The Congressional Budget Office estimates the Golden Dome missile defence system would cost about $1.2 trillion to develop, deploy and operate over two decades, far above the initial $175 billion earmark. Acquisition costs alone would be over $1 trillion, including for interceptor layers and a space-based missile warning and tracking system.
SpaceX and Lockheed Martin win space-based interceptor contracts
April 2026
SpaceX and Lockheed Martin won contracts worth up to $3.2 billion to develop space-based missile interceptor prototypes for the Golden Dome.
Trump unveils Golden Dome plans after January White House return
January 2026
Just days after returning to the White House in January, Trump unveiled plans for the system designed to counter next-generation aerial threats, describing space-based sensors and interceptors as part of a suite across land, sea and space.
Trump's earlier cost projections for Golden Dome
2025
Trump had previously said the programme would require an initial investment of $25 billion, with a total cost of $175 billion over time.