Donald Trump's Golden Dome Dream Could Be Dashed Due to Insufficient Funds
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - US President Donald Trump’s ambition to build the Golden Dome is hampered by costs. US lawmakers in Congress are reportedly unwilling to allocate massive funds to finance the missile defence system similar to Israel’s Iron Dome.
The Trump administration wants the funds needed for the Golden Dome system to be included in this year’s national budget, which will be discussed in the US Congress soon. However, according to Politico, Republican Party members of the House of Representatives who support Trump doubt they can insert the project.
The reason is that approval of the budget for the Golden Dome project must go through a fast-track legislative process known as reconciliation legislation. Through this process, the Democratic Party cannot block (filibuster) the passage of the bill in the Senate.
However, that process means there will be fierce political battles in Congress. The Republican Party wants to avoid political fights because many of them will compete in the midterm elections.
Trump wants to build the Golden Dome system to protect US territory from potential long-range missile and drone incursions. The system is a combination of traditional technology such as interceptor missiles and the latest technology, namely an AI-based information network. Trump wants the system to be realised before he steps down in 2028.
The US Department of Defense or Pentagon wants to include a budget of US$17 billion (Rp29.4 trillion) for the Golden Dome project through reconciliation legislation, and US$400 million (Rp6.9 trillion) in the regular budgeting process. Politico states that the entire Golden Dome project requires funds between US$185 billion (Rp3,200 trillion) and US$3 trillion (Rp51,867 trillion).
The Pentagon has tested the first phase of Golden Dome technology, namely a 360-degree sensor system to detect cruise missiles, drones, and enemy aircraft.
Much larger costs are needed for ambitious technology in the form of a monitoring and interception system in outer space. This system is intended to intercept enemy missiles immediately after launch.