On January 27 th, 2025, the White House released a new Executive Order titled, “Iron Dome for America.” Since its release, the Order has generated much discussion and attention.

Israel's Iron Dome air defense system intercepts rockets launched from Gaza on Oct. 11, 2023. (Bashar Taleb/AFP via Getty Images) In a bit of verbal alchemy, the Pentagon is turning iron into gold.

When I first reported on President Donald Trump’s promise to “BUILD A GREAT IRON DOME MISSILE DEFENSE SHIELD,” an expert summed up the idea as “the insane ramblings of a senile old person.” ...