President Trump announced plans for a new line of U.S. Navy warships called the "Trump‑class," beginning with two vessels and potentially expanding to 20–25 ships, in a move that departs from the traditional state‑based naming convention. The administration also quietly recalled nearly 30 ambassadors, paused five offshore wind projects citing national security concerns, and rolled out a $12bn farm aid package. Separately, ICE reported a record 68,400 people in detention, while more than 100 anti‑trafficking organisations have lost funding amid an alleged DOJ under‑spend of nearly $90m.
Trump Unveils ‘Trump‑Class’ Battleships and Moves Shake Up Diplomacy, Energy and Aid
A concept rendering of the proposed Trump class USS Defiant is displayed as Donald Trump announces the US Navy's new Golden Fleet initiative.Photograph: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images
President Donald Trump announced plans for a new generation of U.S. Navy warships the White House is calling the "Trump‑class," saying the vessels will be larger, faster and "about a hundred times more powerful" than previous U.S. ships. The program is to begin with two vessels and, according to the administration, could expand to 20–25 ships.
New Battleships: What Was Announced
The White House presentation described the initial pair of ships as a high‑profile modernization push. Navy Secretary John Phelan said the project will demonstrate American naval dominance, adding:
“Our adversaries will know, when the Trump‑class USS Defiant appears on the horizon, American victory at sea is inevitable.”Historically, U.S. battleship classes have typically been named after states rather than presidents; the announcement marks an unusual break with that convention.
Diplomatic Shake‑Up
The administration has quietly recalled nearly 30 ambassadors and senior diplomats posted overseas, according to diplomatic sources and several current and former officials. The recalls reportedly target some career foreign‑service officers who typically remain in place through transitions to preserve apolitical embassy operations.
Media Report Pulled
CBS News faced internal and external backlash after pulling at the last minute an investigation prepared for its flagship 60 Minutes program. The report examined a harsh prison in El Salvador where hundreds of Venezuelans were deported earlier this year — a move that prompted scrutiny of U.S. deportation policy and pressure on the network from multiple directions.
Offshore Wind Projects Paused
The Department of the Interior announced an immediate pause on leases for five offshore wind projects already under construction, citing "national security risks." The department said it will coordinate with the Department of Defense to address potential radar interference from turbine towers, a concern officials say could create operational "clutter." Industry advocates called the move the most significant blow yet to an embattled offshore wind sector.
Immigration Detention Reaches New High
Data from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) show the number of people in immigration detention reached a record high: more than 68,400 people as of 14 December 2025. That figure surpasses the prior peak recorded earlier in the month.
Anti‑Trafficking Funding Cuts
A Guardian investigation found that more than 100 organizations supporting victims of human trafficking have lost funding since October, leaving thousands of survivors at risk. Advocates say the U.S. Department of Justice has failed to spend nearly $90 million appropriated by Congress, undermining services and law‑enforcement efforts that protect survivors from homelessness, deportation or re‑exploitation.
Greenland Envoy and International Response
Prime ministers of Denmark and Greenland demanded respect for their borders after the president appointed a special envoy to Greenland, a largely self‑governing territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. Trump has previously suggested increased U.S. interest in Greenland, prompting diplomatic friction.
Corporate and Agricultural Notes
Technology billionaire Larry Ellison has reportedly offered a personal guarantee exceeding $40 billion to support Paramount Skydance’s bid for control of Warner Bros. Discovery. Separately, President Trump unveiled a $12 billion aid package intended to help farmers; industry leaders cautioned that, despite the package, many farms may still face closures this year.
Where to Read More: For full coverage and source links, consult the original reporting and archives from the period around 21 December 2025.
