US Navy confirms nuclear power for proposed Trump-class battleship program

The U.S. Navy’s proposed Trump-class guided-missile battleship, redesignated BBGN, would use nuclear propulsion and the A1B reactor for long-range endurance and high electrical demand.

The concept could support power-hungry sensors and weapons, but the U.S. nuclear shipbuilding base is already stretched by carrier and submarine programs.

Officials and lawmakers are skeptical, and the project could be delayed or canceled amid concerns over cost, staffing, reactor supply, and shipyard capacity.

The plan may also affect allied programs like AUKUS, making the conventionally powered DDG(X) a more practical near-term option.