Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ Pitch to Canada: $61B or Become the 51st State

US President Donald Trump suggested that Canada contribute $61 billion to join the 'Golden Dome' missile defence program, which he argues would safeguard against threats like ballistic and hypersonic missiles through space-based interceptors. In a social media update on Tuesday, Trump suggested another option: Canada could enter the system for free by becoming the 51st state of the US. “I informed Canada, eager to join our amazing Golden Dome System, that remaining a separate, yet unequal, Nation will amount to $61 billion Dollars, whereas becoming our beloved 51st State will cost ZERO DOLLARS,” Trump stated. “They are evaluating the proposal!”

Last week, Trump unveiled an extensive $175 billion missile defence program termed the ‘Golden Dome’, designed to protect the country from various aerial threats, including those from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump referred to the plan as a "transformative leap" in America's defence capabilities. The Golden Dome would combine technologies on land, at sea, and in space to counter incoming threats — including conventional missiles, drones, and possible space-based weaponry.

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“Golden Dome will safeguard our nation,” Trump stated. "When fully built, Golden Dome will have the ability to intercept missiles regardless of whether they are fired from distant locations on Earth or from outer space." While the president has estimated the overall cost at $175 billion, the Congressional Budget Office has warned that costs may surpass $500 billion in the next 20 years. The agency highlighted the major technological challenges and the experimental aspects of intercepting missiles from space. A reconciliation bill supported by Republicans has suggested an initial $25 billion to launch the project. Nonetheless, the proposal encounters obstacles in Congress, as opposition arises from both conservative and moderate groups within the Republican Party.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has recently admitted that talks are happening about Canada's possible participation in the Golden Dome initiative. He chose not to detail any financial obligation, mentioning that discussions were still in initial phases, Bloomberg reported. Although the US and Canada maintain strong military collaboration via the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD), Trump's statements have frequently put a strain on diplomatic relations. Previously, he initiated trade conflicts with Canada and proposed that the nation join the US. Canada has made a prior commitment to a major enhancement of NORAD, revealing in 2022 a C$38.6 billion (around $28 billion) investment focused on updating the joint defence system.