Trump Claims Canada Considering Offer of Free Golden Dome in Exchange for Becoming 51st State

U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on Tuesday that Canada is "considering" giving up its statehood in exchange for access to the United States' proposed "Golden Dome" missile defense system at no cost, a statement that has been strongly denied by Canadian officials.

"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," Trump wrote on his social media platform. "They are considering the offer!" he asserted.

The remarks come amid heightened tensions over Trump's repeated suggestions in recent months that Canada could be annexed by the U.S., an idea that has been met with widespread condemnation from both Canadian leaders and the country's citizens. Last month, Prime Minister Mark Carney, who recently secured a new term in office, directly addressed Trump's comments, affirming that "Canada won't be for sale, ever."

During a visit to Canada on Tuesday, King Charles III—who serves as the nation's monarch—also appeared to rebuff Trump's overtures. Speaking before the Canadian Parliament, King Charles stated, "Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away. And that, by staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians."

Trump last week unveiled details about the "Golden Dome," a planned U.S. missile defense initiative intended to deploy a network of satellites capable of detecting, tracking, and potentially intercepting incoming ballistic missiles. The project, according to Trump, is expected to cost $175 billion and aims to be fully operational within three years. The president noted that Canada would have the opportunity to participate in the system's coverage.

"Canada has called us, and they want to be a part of it. So we’ll be talking to them; they want to have protection also," Trump said during the system’s announcement.

Canadian officials, while acknowledging ongoing security discussions with the United States, have repeatedly pushed back against suggestions that integration into the missile shield would require surrendering national sovereignty. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Carney explained that there are "active discussions" between the two countries regarding security programs, including the "Golden Dome," as well as strengthening the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

"Canadians gave the prime minister a strong mandate to negotiate a comprehensive new security and economic relationship with the United States," the spokesperson stated. "To that end, the prime minister and his ministers are having wide-ranging and constructive discussions with their American counterparts. These discussions naturally include strengthening NORAD and related initiatives such as the Golden Dome."

Despite the ongoing negotiations about continental defense, Canadian leadership continues to emphasize the country's independence and has rejected any suggestion of joining the United States as its fifty-first state.