Merkley Calls on Independent Watchdogs to Probe Trump’s New “Golden Fleet” Battleship Program

Merkley Calls on Independent Watchdogs to Probe Trump's New "Golden Fleet" Battleship Program

Merkley Demands Scrutiny of $200 Billion "Golden Fleet" Battleship Plan Given Navy's Long Track Record of Cost Overruns, Schedule Delays, and Failed Acquisitions

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ranking Member of the Senate Budget Committee, called on two independent, nonpartisan agencies-the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Congressional Budget Office (CBO)-to investigate President Donald Trump's proposed "Golden Fleet" initiative, including the new Trump-class battleship and frigate that together could cost more than $200 billion. Merkley is requesting in-depth reviews citing the Navy's decades-long pattern of acquisition failures and squandered taxpayer resources.

Merkley underscored that the Navy's recent record is littered with programs that ran billions over budget, arrived years late, or failed to deliver on promises capabilities.

"The American people deserve to know that every dollar spent on national security actually makes our country safer-not disappear into the coffers of the military industrial complex. At a time when families are struggling to afford groceries, gas, housing, and other everyday costs, Congress cannot write a $200 billion check for Trump's 'Golden Fleet,' including a massive new Trump battleship, without independent scrutiny and real accountability.

"Far too many Pentagon programs have been burdened by cost overruns, delays, and unrealistic promises that fail to meet reality. Before Congress commits to another massive military project, we need a clear-eyed assessment of the true costs, risks, and strategic value of this proposal. From the 'Golden Dome' to the 'Golden Fleet,' taxpayers deserve real and objective oversight when it comes to Trump's gilded vanity projects." said Ranking Member Jeff Merkley.

Merkley has repeatedly pressed for transparency and independent cost analysis to understand how much the Trump Administration's reckless actions are costing the American taxpayer.

Last week, CBO informed Merkley that Trump's plan for a next-generation missile defense shield-dubbed the "Golden Dome"-would cost U.S. taxpayers more than $1.2 trillion. Trump previously claimed that this would cost $175 billion.

Merkley's letters to GAO and CBO can be found HERE and HERE.

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