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Washington — The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office on May 12 estimated that President Donald Trump’s proposed 'Golden Dome' missile defense program could cost roughly $1.2 trillion over 20 years. The CBO report, using the January 2025 executive order as a blueprint, places acquisition costs at just over $1 trillion and highlights a space-based interceptor layer as the largest expense. The analysis contrasts with lower Pentagon and administration figures and notes average annual operations and support near $8.3 billion; the administration in May 2025 had announced a $25 billion earmark and previously cited a $175 billion estimate. The CBO also stated the layered architecture could be overwhelmed by a large Russian or Chinese arsenal, and its figures have prompted further departmental and congressional review.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.