Former US President Donald Trump has proposed that Canada could join the United States as its 51st state in order to access the advanced “Golden Dome” missile defense system at no cost. Otherwise, Canada would face a price tag of $61 billion to participate in the project.
In a Truth Social post, Trump stated, "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 (it) will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State. They are considering the offer!"
Canada has not officially responded to the proposal, but interest in joining the missile defense system remains. Earlier this year, then-Defence Minister Bill Blair called joining the system “sensible” and in the national interest of Canada. Prime Minister Mark Carney also confirmed high-level discussions with the US about potential participation.
The Golden Dome initiative, recently unveiled by Trump, is a comprehensive $175 billion plan to develop an advanced air and missile defense shield across North America by 2029. It aims to strengthen early detection and interception capabilities against potential missile threats primarily from Russia and China.
A critical component of the system relies on cooperation with Canada, particularly the use of Arctic territory for radar and tracking installations. Retired US Air Force General Glen VanHerck highlighted Canada’s strategic role in providing key terrain that allows over-the-pole detection of missile launches.
However, some US officials have downplayed Canada’s importance. Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska remarked that Canada’s involvement would be helpful but not vital to the system’s success. Meanwhile, Trump’s 51st state suggestion has sparked controversy and may strain bilateral relations.
During a recent White House visit, Prime Minister Carney explicitly rejected the notion of Canadian statehood, affirming, "Canada is never for sale." Despite ongoing cooperation through NORAD and shared defense interests, the future of the Golden Dome project remains uncertain without Canada’s full collaboration.
As negotiations continue, Trump remains an advocate for closer US-Canada integration, though the radical proposal to make Canada a US state has been firmly declined by Canadian leadership.
