North Korea Condemns Trump’s Golden Dome Missile-Defense Plan as Space Militarization

North Korea has sharply criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed Golden Dome missile-defense system, denouncing it as a provocative step toward the militarization of outer space and a threat to global peace, according to a report Tuesday from the official Korean Central News Agency.

A memo from an institute under North Korea's Foreign Ministry labeled the Golden Dome program “an outer space nuclear war scenario supporting the US strategy for uni-polar domination.” The document went on to describe the initiative as “the height of self-righteousness, arrogance, high-handed and arbitrary practice,” accusing Washington of being “hell-bent on the moves to militarize outer space, claiming that those who dominate outer space can win victory in the future war.”

Trump recently vowed that the Golden Dome shield — aimed at defending against threats including ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, and advanced cruise missiles — would be operational by the end of his term. Much of the proposed technology, including space-based interceptors, remains unproven.

North Korea has accelerated efforts in recent years to develop a multiple warhead intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which would increase the likelihood of bypassing missile defense systems. In 2023, Pyongyang claimed a successful test of such a system, though South Korea’s military accused it of using “deception and exaggeration” to disguise a missile failure during early flight.

North Korea’s condemnation of the Golden Dome system echoes that of China. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated the plan “violates the principle of peaceful use of outer space” and warned it could trigger a new arms race.

China has long supported North Korea, providing vital economic aid despite international sanctions related to Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program.

Despite tensions, Trump recently stated he still holds a “very good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and plans to reach out “at some point.” During his first term, Trump suspended or scaled down joint U.S.-South Korea military drills while engaging in historic direct talks with Kim. Although those talks ultimately collapsed, Trump has indicated interest in resuming dialogue during a potential second term.