Trump says Canada ‘considering’ joining US as 51st state to avoid $61 bn ‘Golden Dome’ defence bill
Donald Trump said Canada could join the Golden Dome missile defence system for $61 billion, but it would be free if they became the 51st state.
US President Donald Trump has claimed that Canada is “considering” becoming America’s 51st state to avoid paying a $61 billion bill for his proposed ‘Golden Dome’ missile defence system. The claim, made in a Truth Social post on Tuesday, suggests that the neighbours could join the system for free, but only if it becomes part of the United States.
"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 posted on his Truth Social network.
“But (it) will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State. They are considering the offer!”
There was no immediate response from Canada to Trump's claims.
However, Canada had earlier expressed interest in joining the missile system -- plans for which Trump unveiled last week to defend against a wide array of enemy weapons -- but has firmly rejected any loss of sovereignty.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on May 21 said Canada was looking at potential investments in Donald Trump's proposed ‘Golden Dome’ missile defence shield. He mentioned it's “a good idea to have protection” for citizens of Canada.
Since the 1950s, Canada and the US have had a joint air defence system known as the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD. In 2022, Canada unveiled a C$38.6 billion ($28 billion) long-term plan to contribute to a modernised NORAD.
The relationship between the two countries soured after Trump launched a trade war against and openly called for the nation to become the 51st US state. Now, the launch of the 'Golden Dome’ defence system seems set to add to the tensions that Trump has sparked with Canada.
All about proposed ‘Golden Dome’
Trump announced plans for the "Golden Dome" system a week ago, saying it would eventually cost around $175 billion and would be operational by the end of his term in 2029.
As per the plan, it is an effort to build a shield to protect the US from threats including ballistic missiles, hypersonics and advanced cruise missiles. The technology for Trump’s plan is unproven, particularly using space-based interceptors to knock down incoming ballistic missiles.
Experts say the scheme faces huge technical and political challenges and could cost far more than estimated.
(With inputs from agencies)