Donald Trump Says Canada Can Join ‘Golden Dome’ For Free—If It Becomes US' 51st State

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Canada could become part of his proposed "Golden Dome" missile defence initiative at no cost-but only if it agrees to join the United States as its 51st state.

Otherwise, the scheme would cost Canada $61 billion, said Trump, who has made repeated appeals for the United States' northern neighbour to join the Union.

Photo Credit: AP/PTI

Canada has shown interest in the missile defence project-first revealed by Trump last week to counter a broad spectrum of enemy threats-but has flatly rejected any compromise on its sovereignty.

"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," Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.

"But (it) will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State. They are considering the offer!"

Canadian officials did not immediately respond to Trump's remarks, reported AFP.

Trump announced the "Golden Dome" initiative last week, estimating the project would ultimately cost around $175 billion and be operational by the end of his current term in 2029.

Experts have raised doubts, warning that the plan faces major technical and political obstacles, and could end up being far costlier than Trump claims.

Trump also said at the time that Canada had expressed interest in joining the programme. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney later confirmed that "high level" discussions had taken place.

As NATO allies, Canada and the United States already cooperate on continental defence via the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

However, the new proposal now appears likely to heighten existing tensions between the two nations that Trump has previously stirred.

Carney, during a visit to the White House earlier this month, *politely but firmly* dismissed Trump's suggestion that Canada should join the US, stating that his country was "never for sale."

Despite this, the Canadian leader and Trump appeared to ease some of their disputes regarding tariffs imposed by Washington on Ottawa.