Missile Defense: American ‘Iron Dome’ Would Help U.S. and Allies

Addressing his supporters at a rally on the eve of his inauguration, Donald Trump promised that his administration would construct a “great iron dome missile defense shield, which will all be made in the U.S.A.” The following evening at the commander in chief’s inaugural ball, the newly sworn-in president again raised his desire for “a nice iron dome.” Indeed, defending the American homeland against long-range missile attacks was a recurrent theme for candidate Trump on the campaign trail, where he pledged “to build the greatest dome of them all.” And, as President Trump’s executive order signed just this past Monday evening suggests, constructing an “iron dome” will be high on the Pentagon’s list of priorities.

The Trump administration would be wise to trust its instincts on protecting the homeland against long-range attacks. But in doing so, Trump should not lose sight of the critical role missile defense can play in enabling the projection of power on a global scale to secure America’s farther-flung interests. Missile defense should complement global engagement, not replace it. To lose sight of this role risks opening fissures between Washington and its allies.

About the Author

Kyle Balzer

Kyle Balzer is a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute where he specializes in nuclear strategy and policy.

Featured Tags

Manage following

Iron Dome

Addressing his supporters at a rally on the eve of his inauguration, Donald Trump promised that his administration would construct a “great iron dome missile defense shield, which will all be made in the U.S.A.” The following evening at the commander in chief’s inaugural ball, the newly sworn-in president again raised his desire for “a nice iron dome.” Indeed, defending the American homeland against long-range missile attacks was a recurrent theme for candidate Trump on the campaign trail, where he pledged “to build the greatest dome of them all.” And, as President Trump’s executive order signed just this past Monday evening suggests, constructing an “iron dome” will be high on the Pentagon’s list of priorities.

The Trump administration would be wise to trust its instincts on protecting the homeland against long-range attacks. But in doing so, Trump should not lose sight of the critical role missile defense can play in enabling the projection of power on a global scale to secure America’s farther-flung interests. Missile defense should complement global engagement, not replace it. To lose sight of this role risks opening fissures between Washington and its allies.