Trump's Golden Dome missile shield estimated at US$1.2 trillion, watchdog warns it could be overwhelmed
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has put out a fresh estimate suggesting that the cost of President Donald Trump's Golden Dome missile defense system could soar to $1.2 trillion over 20 years, which is six times higher than earlier forecasts. This figure is based on the details from Trump’s executive order in January 2025 and not on a broader government plan. The report warns that the system might not withstand a serious attack from a similar opponent. Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley, who requested the report nearly a year ago, has called Golden Dome a "massive giveaway to defense contractors." This new estimate sharply contrasts with the $185 billion figure shared in March by US Space Force General Michael Guetlein.
Key facts
- Golden Dome missile defence shield estimated to cost US$1.2 trillion over 20 years.
- Cost is six times higher than earlier forecasts.
- CBO warns system could be overwhelmed by a full-scale attack from a peer or near-peer adversary.
- Estimate based on Trump's January 2025 executive order, not a detailed government plan.
- CBO says long-term cost impossible to estimate without system details.
- Report requested by Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley, top Democrat on Senate Budget Committee.
- Merkley called Golden Dome a 'massive giveaway to defence contractors paid for by working Americans'.
- Previous estimate from programme director General Michael Guetlein was US$185 billion.
Entities
Institutions
- Congressional Budget Office
- US Senate Budget Committee
- US Space Force
Locations
- United States
- Oregon