On Tuesday, former U.S. President Trump made a startling statement on his social platform Truth Social, claiming that Canada is "seriously considering" a lucrative proposal: to become the 51st state of the United States in exchange for free inclusion in its $1.75 trillion "Golden Dome" missile defense system program.
Trump wrote: "Canada is keen to be part of our Golden Dome program. I told them it would cost $61 billion if they remain an independent yet unequal country, but zero dollars if they become our cherished 51st state. They are considering the proposal!"
As of Tuesday evening, the Canadian government had yet to issue an official response to Trump's latest statements. However, Canadian Prime Minister Carney had previously made it clear in his speeches that under no circumstances would Canada become a U.S. state. Analysts believe this stance won popular support in recent elections, being a key factor in Carney's victory.
"Golden Dome" Defense Plan Draws Attention
Last week, Trump unveiled the "Golden Dome" system plan, aiming to create a space-based missile defense network, integrating space satellites with ground technology to detect, track, and intercept enemy missiles and drones. The system is inspired by the United States' Cold War-era "Star Wars" project and Israel's current "Iron Dome" system.
This plan is expected to cost $1.75 trillion, with Trump stating that the system would be fully operational within three years. Trump has suggested allocating $25 billion in his "massive tax reduction bill" as startup funding for the system.
Canada Open to Dialogue but Stands Firm
Although there has yet to be a direct response to Trump's "51st state" proposal, the Canadian Prime Minister's office has confirmed that the two countries have recently engaged in "positive discussions" on several existing and potential security cooperation projects. These include strengthening collaboration within the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) and topics related to the "Golden Dome."
Prime Minister's spokesperson Audrey Champoux stated: "The Canadian people have given the Prime Minister a strong mandate to negotiate new security and economic cooperation relationships with the United States. Naturally, these discussions include projects like the 'Golden Dome.'"
While both parties remain open to defense cooperation, the concept of "entering the U.S. in exchange for defense" currently seems more like a political spectacle, far from reaching actual negotiation stages.
