Trump: Canada Can Get Golden Dome Free if It Becomes 51st State/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump proposed that Canada contribute $61 billion to the U.S. “Golden Dome” missile defense system—unless it becomes America’s 51st state, in which case it pays nothing. The controversial comments follow Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s public interest in strengthening ties with the EU. Carney swiftly dismissed Trump’s annexation idea, reaffirming Canada’s sovereignty and independence.
Trump’s Golden Dome Offer to Canada: Quick Looks
- Trump’s Offer: $61B cost for defense shield unless Canada joins U.S.
- Missile Shield Plan: “Golden Dome” estimated at $175B, built in 3 years
- Free for Statehood: Trump says price drops to zero if Canada joins
- Carney’s Response: No interest in statehood, focuses on EU defense ties
- Royal Rebuttal: King Charles praises Canada’s independence in Parliament
- Defense Spending Stats: Carney notes 75% of defense dollars go to U.S.
- Truth Social Post: Trump reaffirms annexation pressure online
- Ongoing Tension: Tariff war and sovereignty threats continue
Trump: Canada Can Get Golden Dome Free if It Becomes 51st State
Deep Look
Trump Proposes Free Missile Shield if Canada Becomes 51st U.S. State
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a move stirring both diplomatic tension and political theatrics, President Donald Trump proposed a controversial deal to Canadian officials: contribute $61 billion to the United States’ “Golden Dome” missile defense shield—or join the U.S. as its 51st state and pay nothing.
The proposal, made public Tuesday via Trump’s Truth Social platform, marks the latest twist in the administration’s months-long push to annex Canada under what Trump calls a “stronger North American future.” The $175 billion Golden Dome plan, designed to create a continental missile shield over North America, would be built over the next three years, according to Trump.
“I told Canada, which very much wants to be part of our fabulous Golden Dome System, that it will cost $61 Billion Dollars if they remain a separate, but unequal, Nation, but will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State,” Trump posted.
Canada Pushes Back Swiftly
The response from Ottawa has been firm. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who took office just last week, made it clear in his May 6 Oval Office meeting with Trump that Canada is not interested in becoming a U.S. state.
Carney has been advocating instead for deeper defense collaboration with the European Union. Speaking to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation on Tuesday, Carney said Canada would sign onto a European defense rearmament initiative by July 1.
“Seventy-five cents of every dollar of capital spending for defense goes to the United States,” Carney stated. “That’s not smart.”
The Prime Minister also amplified a quote from King Charles III, who during his speech to the Canadian Parliament the same day, made a subtle jab at U.S. interventionist rhetoric:
“A confident Canada can give themselves far more than any foreign power can ever take away.”
The Golden Dome and National Security
Trump has positioned the Golden Dome as the centerpiece of a broader missile defense initiative to protect North America against threats from abroad, including rogue states and hypersonic weapons. The proposed $61 billion Canadian contribution would be proportionate to defense sharing agreements, Trump said.
Despite Canada’s cool response to the annexation proposition, Carney’s administration did confirm last week that it was “looking into” a possible investment in the Golden Dome system.
GHQ sources say the system would rely heavily on satellite tracking, ground-based interceptors, and airspace monitoring stations built across both nations.
A Royal Complication
King Charles’ remarks stirred further conversation in both Canadian and U.S. media, with many interpreting them as subtle pushback to Trump’s influence. The monarch, addressing Parliament during a state visit, praised Canadian resilience and echoed national values of sovereignty.
Carney later posted the speech clip on X, formerly Twitter, captioning it with the iconic Canadian phrase:
“The True North is strong and free.”
Diplomatic Fallout or Election Strategy?
Trump’s escalating rhetoric may serve dual purposes. While it fuels ongoing tariff tensions between Washington and Ottawa, it also appeals to a portion of his voter base eager for bold geopolitical maneuvers.
The Trump campaign has increasingly used the Golden Dome proposal in fundraising and national security pitches, casting it as a legacy project.
Yet Canada appears unbowed.
So far, Carney’s government has not formally responded to Tuesday’s Truth Social post. Analysts believe it’s unlikely Canada will accept any arrangement compromising its national autonomy—even if it comes with a multibillion-dollar discount.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.