US President Donald Trump announced four new executive orders on Monday including a directive to commence the construction of a state-of-the-art “Iron Dome” missile defence system.
Speaking at a retreat for Republican lawmakers at his Trump National Doral Miami golf resort in Florida, the President said the orders were aimed at bolstering the country’s military strength.
“We have to have a strong, strong defence,” Trump declared. “And in a little while, I’ll be signing four new executive orders.”
The first order calls for the immediate development of an “Iron Dome” system to protect the US from incoming missiles. Trump described the move as a crucial step towards enhancing the nation’s defence capabilities.
In addition, two other executive orders target the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programmes within the armed forces and ban transgender individuals from serving in the military.
The fourth order reinstates approximately 8,000 service members who were discharged between August 2021 and January 2023 for refusing COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
Trump framed these actions as essential to maintaining “the most lethal fighting force in the world.”
Echoes of past policies
Monday’s announcement marks a continuation of Trump’s push to reshape US military policies. The executive orders follow his January 20 return to the White House, during which he signed a record 42 executive actions on his first day in office.
His previous orders included a ban on government DEI initiatives, which he claimed perpetuated “illegal and immoral discrimination,” and a declaration opposing the recognition of transgender identities.
The new directives also revisit a 2017 transgender military ban enacted during Trump’s first term, which was later reversed by President Joe Biden in 2021. An estimated 8,000 active service members identify as transgender, though many fear coming forward publicly.
Controversial Pentagon leadership
The orders coincide with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s first day at the Pentagon. Hegseth, a veteran and former Fox News host, has been a vocal critic of “woke” ideologies in the military and has questioned the role of women in combat.
Hegseth’s confirmation last Friday was narrowly approved by 50 Republican senators, despite allegations of sexual misconduct and alcoholism. Three Republicans, including Mitch McConnell, opposed his nomination.
As head of the Pentagon, Hegseth has pledged to reinstate a “warrior culture” in the armed forces and overhaul its leadership structure.
Feasibility of ‘Iron Dome’
The proposed “Iron Dome” system, inspired by Israel’s US-funded air defence technology, was a recurring promise during Trump’s 2024 campaign.
In July, the initiative was added to the Republican Party’s official platform. Trump has stated his intent to build “the best Iron Dome in the world,” surpassing Israel’s system, which intercepts short-range rockets and mortars.
However, military experts have raised questions about the project’s feasibility. Israel’s Iron Dome is designed to protect a relatively small geographic area, roughly the size of the US state of New Jersey. Adapting such a system to defend the entire US mainland could prove both cost-prohibitive and ineffective, particularly against advanced weapons systems deployed by adversaries like Russia and China.
The US already operates advanced missile defence programmes, such as the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems, raising further doubts about the necessity of Trump’s proposed initiative.
“You know, we protect other countries, but we don’t protect ourselves,” Trump said during his address. “We have phenomenal technology, and the United States is entitled to that.”
