New Democratic Congress will likely strip the gilding from Trump's Golden Dome

A Democratic takeover of Congress in January is likely to bring tougher scrutiny of President Trump’s Golden Dome missile-defense initiative. Several prominent Republican supporters are leaving, while California Democrat John Garamendi could lead the House panel overseeing the program; he has called it costly and inadequate. Democrats are expected to limit or reshape funding, challenge the system’s most controversial features, and replace its politically charged name. The initiative’s first $24 billion was approved through a partisan budget shortcut rather than the usual bipartisan military spending process. A later request for $350 billion in additional Pentagon funding, including money for Golden Dome, failed even under Republican control and is unlikely to advance under Democrats.

Much of the program builds on existing or previously planned missile-warning systems and ground-based interceptors. Its biggest leap is a proposed orbital layer of hundreds or thousands of space-based interceptors, which have never been deployed and face major technical, cost, and reliability questions. Critics also warn that such defenses could spur rival nations to build more missiles and intensify the militarization of space. Estimates range from the administration’s $185 billion over ten years to more than $1 trillion, with some designs costing far more. Funding has already fallen sharply from the administration’s request, and the goal of having an initial system operating by the end of 2028 is doubtful. Military officials may also retreat from Trump’s demand to intercept missiles during their initial boost phase.