America's 'Golden Dome' Explained

On May 20, 2025, President Donald Trump held an Oval Office press conference where he provided additional detail about his administration’s concept for the “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative first announced in an executive order on January 27. During the briefing, Trump announced that the program will be spearheaded by U.S. Space Force General Michael Guetlein, who will serve as the Direct Report Program Manager. Trump further stated that the system will be “fully operational” before the end of his term in 2029 and will cost $175 billion.

What can the administration operationalize on this ambitious timeline? What are the implications of the announcement for U.S. allies and partners? What will be the ingredients for success? To consider these questions, please join the CSIS Defense and Security Department for a conversation on the feasibility, cost, and security implications of future U.S. missile defense programs, featuring Dr. Tom Karako, director of the CSIS Missile Defense Project, Dr. Heather Williams, director of the CSIS Project on Nuclear Issues, and Kari A. Bingen, director of the CSIS Aerospace Security Project.

This event is made possible by general support to CSIS.