A newly proposed class of U.S. Navy warships associated with former President Donald Trump is projected to cost at least 50 percent more than initial estimates, according to a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report released on Wednesday. The report outlines significant budgetary increases for the vessels, which Trump has referred to as part of a “golden fleet.”

The lead ship in the class, the U.S.S. Defiant, is now expected to cost approximately $23.4 billion, which is about $8 billion higher than the Navy’s earlier projection. The additional 14 ships planned under the program each could cost roughly $18 billion, up from the original estimate of $10.2 billion per vessel. Taken together, the 15 ships would total around $275 billion. The analysis also suggests that construction of the first ship could take eight years or more, contrary to the timeline of about two and a half years initially announced by Trump in December.

The former president unveiled the plan last year, emphasizing the intended role of the ships in maintaining American military dominance, revitalizing the nation’s shipbuilding industry, and deterring adversaries globally. The warships differ substantially from traditional battleships, which historically were larger vessels equipped with multiple heavy-caliber guns; the U.S. Navy’s last battleship was launched in 1944. Instead, the new class would be smaller and primarily armed with guided missiles.

A notable change since the announcement has been the decision to power the vessels with nuclear reactors, rather than gas turbine engines commonly used in destroyers and cruisers. This shift is a key driver of the escalating cost. The ships are also expected to carry advanced weaponry, some of which remains experimental or unproven. For instance, planned systems such as electromagnetic railguns have been previously canceled after extensive unsuccessful development, while proposed laser defense systems are not yet operational.

Trump has suggested the possibility of expanding the fleet to as many as 25 nuclear-powered “battleships,” a move that would raise the program’s price tag to an estimated $455 billion, according to the CBO.

The initiative has drawn criticism from some lawmakers, including Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon, who questioned the allocation of such a large sum amid domestic challenges like rising costs for groceries, gas, healthcare, and childcare. Senator Patty Murray of Washington confirmed that funding for the program was omitted from the current continuing resolution advancing through the Senate, which would fund the government until mid-December.

The long-term feasibility of the battleship project remains uncertain. The Navy has encountered difficulties in recent years with new shipbuilding programs, often facing delays and cost overruns. For example, the Constellation-class frigate program was canceled shortly before the battleship announcement, and the littoral combat ship program has been troubled by performance issues, leading to early decommissioning of some vessels. The Ford-class aircraft carrier program has also been affected by significant technical and schedule setbacks.

Trump’s interest in expanding naval capabilities extends beyond these battleships. He recently authorized $7 billion in no-bid contracts to build 11 new Coast Guard icebreakers for use in polar regions.

The former president has expressed admiration for naval history, referencing the 1950s documentary “Victory at Sea” in a 2023 speech to military leaders as inspiration for his focus on battleships. However, naval experts note that battleships have played a decreasing role since World War II, having been largely supplanted by more versatile aircraft carriers and smaller, multi-mission warships.

Previous presidents, including Ronald Reagan, also pursued revivals of battleships during the Cold War, with Reagan recommissioning the U.S.S. New Jersey in 1982. The last active U.S. battleship, the U.S.S. Missouri, was decommissioned in 1992 and now serves as a museum ship at Pearl Harbor. Whether the new Trump-class warships will come to fruition remains to be seen amid questions surrounding budget, technology, and strategic priorities.