Trump Introduces an Executive Order to Construct a US ‘Iron Dome’

Department of Research, Studies and International News 28-01-2025

During an address at his golf resort in South Florida, former President Donald Trump unveiled four new executive orders aimed at reshaping the US military and its policies. Among the announcements was his plan to establish a cutting-edge missile defense system, likened to Israel’s “Iron Dome.” The proposals also target diversity initiatives and transgender policies within the armed forces.

Speaking at the Trump National Doral Miami during a Republican retreat, Trump underscored the need for robust national security measures. He stated, “We must ensure that our nation has an unmatched and impenetrable defense.” He added that these initiatives were necessary to maintain the United States as the world’s most formidable military power.

One of the key executive orders focuses on initiating the construction of an advanced missile defense system. Trump described this “Iron Dome” as a state-of-the-art shield designed to protect American cities from aerial attacks.

Additionally, Trump announced two orders aimed at eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the military, criticizing them as detrimental to the armed forces. He also declared his intent to remove what he referred to as “transgender ideology” from military operations, a stance reminiscent of his 2017 efforts to ban transgender individuals from serving.

The fourth executive order involves reinstating service members discharged for refusing to comply with COVID-19 vaccination mandates. Between August 2021 and January 2023, roughly 8,000 service members were dismissed under these policies.

This announcement adds to the growing list of executive measures Trump has implemented since his return to office. On his first day, he reportedly signed a record-breaking 42 executive actions, ranging from immigration reforms to social policy changes.

Some of these actions reflect his earlier policies, such as ending DEI initiatives in federal agencies and asserting that gender identities are biologically fixed. The latest orders, however, emphasize reshaping the military’s priorities and composition.

Trump’s executive orders align closely with the views of his newly appointed Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News commentator and veteran. Hegseth, known for his criticism of “woke” policies in the military, has pledged to restore a traditional “warrior culture.”

Hegseth’s confirmation faced significant opposition, with allegations of past misconduct, including sexual abuse and struggles with alcoholism, coming to light. Despite this, his nomination was confirmed by a narrow vote of 50 Republican senators.

The centerpiece of Trump’s announcements is the proposal to build a US-version of the Iron Dome missile defense system. Modeled after the Israeli system that intercepts rockets and mortars, Trump touted its potential to shield American cities from aerial threats.

Trump emphasized his commitment to surpassing Israel’s defense capabilities, stating that the US deserves a system that rivals or exceeds Israel’s achievements. On the campaign trail, he had repeatedly referred to his desire to develop such a defense mechanism.

However, military analysts have raised doubts about the feasibility and necessity of implementing such a system in the US. Unlike Israel, which is geographically compact, the US spans a vast territory, making the deployment of an Iron Dome-style system logistically and financially daunting. Experts also note that existing US missile defense programs, such as the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense system and THAAD, already offer robust protections against long-range threats.

The future of the proposed Iron Dome initiative remains uncertain, as it will require significant funding and congressional approval. Critics argue that the project’s cost-effectiveness and practicality need further examination, especially in light of advanced military threats from nations like Russia and China.

In his speech, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing American defense, stating, “We protect other countries, but we need to protect ourselves first. With the technology we have today, there’s no reason why the United States cannot have the same level of protection as our allies.”

This bold set of executive actions signals Trump’s intention to reassert control over military policy and reshape the armed forces in line with his vision. However, whether these initiatives will gain traction or face opposition in Congress remains to be seen.