Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ offer to Canada pay $61 billion or become 51st state
US President Donald Trump has suggested that Canada contribute $61 billion to join the ‘Golden Dome’ missile defence initiative, a system he asserts would safeguard against threats including ballistic and hypersonic missiles through the use of space-based interceptors. In a social media post on Tuesday, Trump proposed an alternative: Canada could join the system at no cost — by becoming the 51st US state. “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. “They are considering the offer!”
Last week, Trump unveiled a significant $175 billion missile defense initiative referred to as the ‘Golden Dome’, designed to protect the nation from various aerial threats, including those from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. In a statement from the Oval Office, Trump characterized the plan as a “transformative leap” in US defence capabilities. The Golden Dome aims to amalgamate technologies spanning land, sea, and space to counteract incoming threats — encompassing conventional missiles and drones, as well as prospective space-based weapons. “Golden Dome will protect our homeland,” Trump stated. “Once fully constructed, Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world and even if they are launched from space.”
While the president has estimated the total cost at $175 billion, the Congressional Budget Office has warned that expenditures may surpass $500 billion in the next two decades. The agency highlighted the considerable technological challenges and the experimental characteristics of missile interception from space. A reconciliation bill supported by Republicans has put forth a proposal for an initial $25 billion to initiate the project. Nevertheless, the proposal encounters obstacles in Congress, as opposition arises from both conservative and moderate segments of the Republican Party.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney recently acknowledged that discussions are underway regarding Canada’s potential involvement in the Golden Dome initiative. He refrained from detailing any financial commitment, indicating that discussions were still in their preliminary phases, as reported by Bloomberg.
Despite the profound military collaboration between the US and Canada via the North American Aerospace Defense Command (Norad), Trump’s rhetoric has frequently put a strain on diplomatic relations. Historically, he has initiated trade disputes with Canada while also making public suggestions that the nation ought to integrate into the United States. Canada has previously committed to a significant upgrade of Norad, announcing in 2022 a C$38.6 billion (approximately $28 billion) investment aimed at modernizing the joint defense system.
