Donald Trump proposes Canada join as 51st U.S. state in exchange for Golden Dome protection
Donald Trump offers Canada free access to Golden Dome missile defense if it becomes the 51st U.S. state; otherwise, it costs $61B.
Donald Trump has recently floated a daring offer to Canada: join the US as the 51st state and get access for free to his very ambitious “Golden Dome” missile defense system, or they will be looking at an otherwise $61 billion bill for being a different country.
While Trump promotes this as a win-win, Canadian leaders maintain their stance on maintaining independence and understanding they can join together in other — existing — partnerships to beef up shared defense. Like NORAD, mainly in the context of threats from increasing geopolitical tension in the Arctic region.
Donald Trump offers again Canada to join as the 51st state
Donald Trump suggested that Canada may be able to join his proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system for free if it agrees to become the 51st state of the United States, otherwise it would cost $61 billion.
“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,” the US president wrote on his Truth Social platform on Tuesday. “They are considering the offer!”, Trump stated on his Truth Social platform.
A spokesperson for Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, reiterated that Canada is a sovereign country. The spokesperson said Canada is an independent nation and will continue to be.
Presently, a system of defense and cooperation called NORAD between the U.S. and Canada is in place, which includes ballistic missile detection, among others. As the Arctic emerges as a strategic area of interest for both conflict and defense, with a focus on possible aggression from Russia and China, Canada must play a critical role in America's NORAD commitments.
The spokesman also said that Carney is in cooperative talks with U.S. officials regarding strengthening NORAD and related programmes, such as the Golden Dome system. In acknowledging high-level discussions about Canada’s participation, Carney last week avoided providing costs and instead claimed participation is contingent on partnership and investment.
Since the Russian intercontinental ballistic missiles would travel through northern Canada before reaching the U.S., it would seem necessary for Canada to participate in Golden Dome. However, Richard Shimooka, a security expert told the Financial Times, he believes Trump is using the $61 billion demand as a negotiating strategy. He does not believe Canada would spend that amount because of the technical risks and political uncertainty of the project.
How much wouls cost Trump's Golden Dome?
Trump has estimated the Golden Dome’s total cost at $175 billion and promised to make it operational by the end of his term. The system would use space-based interceptors to protect against advanced missile threats, but such technology currently does not exist, presenting significant development challenges.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that over 20 years, the program could cost up to $542 billion.
In the midst of these tensions, King Charles recently opened Canada’s parliament, emphasizing support for Canada’s freedom. Trump’s administration has repeatedly pushed for making Canada part of the U.S.
In March, Canada announced a $4.3 billion deal with Australia to develop an Arctic radar system, enhancing early warning capabilities across the northern border and Arctic region—a key part of NORAD modernization, according to Carney.
