Trump pledges US Iron Dome comparable to Israel's if elected: 'Just takes one maniac'

WASHINGTON (TND) — Former President Donald Trump on Monday said he would set up an Iron Dome missile defense system in the U.S. if he is elected to a second term.

His pledge came during a conversation with Elon Musk in an audio conference on X, where he told listeners that the system would be like the one Israel currently has.

“One of the things we’re gonna do is we’re gonna build a dome over us. Israel has it. We’re gonna have the best Iron Dome in the world,” Trump said.

The system intercepts shorter-range rockets, artillery and mortars, according to Raytheon, one of its developers. Trump added that the U.S. needs it since it “just takes one maniac to start something.”

We’re gonna have protection, and we’re gonna have – why shouldn’t we have an Iron Dome?” the former president asked. “Israel has one. Some other places have one that nobody even knows about, frankly.”

U.S. Northern Command, which coordinates with North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) to defend the continent from air and sea threats, has not shown interest in an Iron Dome that could protect the entire country, according to an ABC News report.

READ MORE |Trump suggests he'll flee to Venezuela if he loses election: 'Far safer place'

"You can't defend the entire United States. It's unrealistic, unaffordable and unachievable," Gen. Glen VanHerck, former head of Northern Command and NORAD, told the outlet.

Another official reportedly added that the U.S. already has several systems that together “provide agility” in responding to potential threats.

In the event Trump wins the presidential election and Republicans gain control of the House and Senate, the GOP has promised as part of its platform to “prevent World War Three, restore peace in Europe and in the Middle East, and build a great Iron Dome missile defense shield over our entire country.”

The system would be made in the U.S., according to Trump. ABC News reported that creating it would likely cost billions of dollars.

Have questions, concerns or tips? Send them to Ray at rjlewis@sbgtv.com.