Canada Must Pay $61 Billion for ‘Golden Dome’ or Become 51st U.S. State – President Donald Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump has delivered a new and controversial message to Canada. He stated that if Canada wants to be part of his proposed ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense system, it must pay $61 billion—or else become the 51st state of the United States.
Trump’s Claim: “Protection Can Be Free—If They Want It”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Canada is very eager to be part of our magnificent Golden Dome system. If they become our beloved 51st state, they’ll get this defense benefit at no cost.” He added, “They are considering the proposal!”
This remark came shortly after Britain’s King Charles III gave a rare speech in Canada’s Parliament emphasizing the importance of Canadian sovereignty. Just after the King’s address, Trump made his statement, which could stir political waves in Canada.
Trump’s Dome Plan and Canada’s Silence
The Golden Dome project is a high-tech missile defense system modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome, aimed at protecting the U.S. from aerial and space-based threats.
Trump claims the total budget for the project is $175 billion and hopes it will be completed by 2029. However, defense analysts have questioned the feasibility of this timeline and cost.
To fund the project’s initial $25 billion phase, a bill titled “Big, Beautiful Bill” has been proposed. It has already passed in the House of Representatives and is now awaiting Senate approval. While the bill emphasizes military and border security, it also reduces social support for poor Americans.
International Reactions: ‘An Arms Race in Space’
China, Russia, and North Korea have condemned Trump’s Golden Dome project, viewing it as a rehearsal for future wars. Mao Ning, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, “This plan increases the risk of turning space into a battlefield.”
Russian spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated that the Golden Dome project is undermining strategic stability and is pushing the U.S. toward a “first-strike-based defense” doctrine. She warned, “This will turn outer space into an armed conflict zone.”
What Is Canada’s Response?
So far, the Canadian government has not issued an official response to Trump’s proposal. However, Prime Minister Mark Carney has previously indicated that Canada plans to join the European defense alliance ReArm Europe to reduce reliance on American weapons. At the same time, he confirmed “high-level defense talks” with the United States are ongoing.
