Trump offers Canada free entry into Golden Dome if it becomes 51st US state

US President Donald Trump has proposed that Canada join his ambitious $175 billion ‘Golden Dome’ missile defence system — for free — but with a condition: Canada must become the 51st state of the United States.

Also Read: What is Golden Dome, Donald Trump's new-age missile defence shield?

Missile shield bait

Posting on Truth Social, Trump stated: “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.”

He further claimed in his post that Canada is “considering the offer.”

Carney's stand

Canadian Prime Minister Carney has acknowledged that his government is in talks with the US regarding participation in the Golden Dome programme.

At a press briefing last week, he said: “Yes, it is good to have protections in place for Canadians.” However, he emphasised, “We cooperate if necessary but not necessarily cooperate.”

There was no immediate response from Canada to Trump's claims.

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'Not for sale'

On May 6, the Canadian prime minister met with Trump for the first time since assuming office in Canada.

Their meeting in the Oval Office quickly took an unexpected turn when Trump reiterated his proposal for Canada to join the US as its 51st state.

"It would really be a wonderful marriage," Trump remarked in front of reporters.

Carney, however, swiftly rejected the idea, stating, "It's not for sale. It won't be for sale — ever." To which Trump quipped, "Never say never, never say never."

Golden Dome

The Golden Dome system, revealed by Trump last week, aims to integrate ground- and space-based capabilities to counter missile threats at all four critical stages of an attack — from launch to impact.

Trump claims it would eventually cost around $175 billion and will be operational by 2029, although experts have cast doubt over its feasibility and final cost.

Also Read: Trump administration bars Harvard from enrolling foreign students

Defence partners

NATO members Canada and the United States are partners in continental defense through the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

However, Trump’s statehood-for-security gambit now seems set to add to the already existing tensions that he has sparked with Canada over the tariffs imposed by his administration on Ottawa.