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President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social Tuesday that Canada is “considering” his offer to become America’s 51st state to become part of the nation’s Golden Dome missile defense system.
The president revealed that the program would otherwise cost the nation’s northern neighbor $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. They are considering the offer!” he wrote.
The post came after King Charles III visited Canada on Tuesday and addressed the nation’s parliament.
Trump has unveiled plans for a sweeping $175 billion missile defense initiative aimed at shielding both the United States and Canada from a range of global threats. Dubbed the “Golden Dome,” the proposed system would incorporate multiple layers of defense, featuring advanced capabilities far beyond those of previous American missile shield proposals.
The system would comprise a network of ground-based and space-based sensors and interceptors, designed to neutralize missile threats launched from anywhere on Earth, including from outer space. According to Trump, the Golden Dome would be operational before the end of his prospective second term.
While drawing inspiration from Israel’s Iron Dome, which protects against short-range rocket attacks, Trump’s proposed system would operate on a far larger scale. Unlike the Iron Dome, which safeguards a country roughly the size of New Jersey, the Golden Dome would be built to defend the entire North American continent against more sophisticated threats such as intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and hypersonic weapons.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated last week that the country is exploring potential investment opportunities in the proposed $175 billion missile defense initiative.
Carney also recently visited Trump in the White House after winning the election to become Canada’s prime minister. He vowed that his nation was not for sale, with the president responding, “Never say never.” The two countries have also escalated rhetoric over recent tariffs, with Canada pushing back on increased rates under the Trump administration.
