U.S. President Donald Trump has stirred controversy by proposing that Canada could join his $175 billion “Golden Dome” missile defense system for free—if it agrees to become the 51st state of the United States. Otherwise, Trump said, Canada would need to pay $61 billion to participate.
“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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “But it will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State. They are considering the offer!”
The Canadian government has not issued an official response to Trump’s remarks, but Prime Minister Mark Carney firmly rejected any notion of statehood, stating during a recent visit to the White House: “Canada is never for sale.”
Earlier this year, Defence Minister Bill Blair had expressed support for joining the missile shield, calling it “sensible” and in Canada’s “national interest.” Carney also acknowledged “high-level” discussions were underway with the U.S. regarding the project.
Trump’s Golden Dome plan, unveiled last week, aims to create a sweeping air and missile defense network across North America by 2029, targeting potential threats from countries like Russia and China. The system is expected to rely heavily on Canadian Arctic terrain for radar and tracking infrastructure.
While U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan downplayed Canada’s role, saying it would be “helpful” but “not vital,” defense experts disagreed. Retired U.S. Air Force General Glen VanHerck stressed that Canada’s northern territory is key to extending surveillance reach over the polar region.
Despite their deep defense cooperation through NORAD, Trump’s remarks have introduced tension into U.S.-Canada relations, casting uncertainty over the future of the Golden Dome project unless a clear agreement is reached.