Trump offers Golden Dome missile shield to Canada ‘for free’, but ‘only if it joins US as 51st state’

Trump said ‘Golden Dome’ would cost Canada $61 billion if it remains a separate, independent country, however, it will be free of cost if it joins the United States as its 51st State.

By: Express Web Desk

Updated: May 28, 2025 11:47 AM IST

3 min read

US President Donald Trump with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office of the White House. (AP)

US President Donald Trump has offered the ‘Golden Dome’ missile defence system for free to Canada, which had shown interest after the Republican leader announced it last week but added a rider that Ottawa can have it without paying any charge “if it becomes part of the US’ 51st State”.

President Trump unveiled the proposed ‘Golden Dome’ missile defence system which would be ready by the end of his term, and he believes that it will be capable of countering “next generation” aerial threats against the US, including ballistic and cruise missiles. The missile defence system program would cost nearly $175 billion.

Trump said ‘Golden Dome’ would cost Canada $61 billion if it remains a separate, independent country, however, it will be free of cost if it joins the United States as its 51st State.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said “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 added in the post, “They are considering the offer!” which has made headlines since Trump has been repeatedly threatening Canada’s sovereignty by urging to become a part of the US. On Tuesday, King Charles III took a jibe at the Trump administration by saying a “confident Canada” can “give themselves far more than any foreign power can ever take away.”

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney had steered clear of Trump’s proposal to join America and won the recently held elections in Canada through his tough stance to counter Trump’s tariff and sovereignty threats. But Carney last week showed interest to be a part of the program and secure the ‘Golden Dome’ for Canada.

Canada’s Prime Minister’s Office had said Mark Carney and his ministers were discussing a new security and economic relationship with the US.

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