United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday stated that Canada could join his newly-announced “Golden Dome” missile defence initiative for free—but only by relinquishing its sovereignty and joining the US as the 51st state.
The alternative, according to Trump, would be a staggering $61 billion entry cost to remain a “separate, but unequal, Nation”.
"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," President Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. "But (it) will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State. They are considering the offer!"
Canada has expressed interest in the missile shield, which Mr Trump unveiled last week, presenting it as a futuristic defence mechanism designed to intercept a broad range of enemy weapons. The entire system, according to the US president, is expected to cost $175 billion and become operational by the end of his current term in 2029.
Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that Canada had held “high level” discussions regarding the missile shield, but Ottawa has rejected any suggestion of surrendering its sovereignty.
Also read: Trump announces $175 billion ‘Golden Dome’ tech to guard US skies
During a visit to the White House earlier this month, Mr Carney politely but firmly dismissed Mr Trump’s persistent calls for Canada to join the United States. “My country was never for sale,” he remarked at the time.
There has been no official response from Canadian authorities to the president’s latest comments.
The “Golden Dome” system, despite its ambitious scope, has drawn scepticism from defence analysts who cite daunting technical and political hurdles. Experts have warned that the projected cost could escalate significantly.
While Canada and the United States maintain longstanding security ties through the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), Mr Trump’s proposal is likely to strain an already complex bilateral relationship.
Recent months have witnessed diplomatic turbulence over tariffs imposed by Washington on Ottawa, though the two leaders appeared to patch over some of those tensions in their last meeting.
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