On Tuesday, President Donald Trump said that Canada would have to pay $61 billion to join his newly proposed "Golden Dome" missile defense shield. But he said that Canada could use the system at no expense if it were to join the United States.
"I informed Canada, which very much wishes to be a part of our wonderful Golden Dome System, that it will be $61 Billion Dollars if they are to continue being a separate, but unequal, Nation," Trump said on his Truth Social platform.
"But (it) will be ZERO DOLLARS if they become our beloved 51st State. They are negotiating the offer!"
Canada has not yet released an official statement on Trump's words.
Previously, Canada had expressed interest in becoming a member of the missile defense project—announced by Trump last week as a counter to an extensive list of enemy missiles. However, the nation has categorically ruled out any proposal of surrendering sovereignty.
Since the 1950s, Canada and the United States have been cooperating through the North American Aerospace Defense Command (Norad), a shared system of air defense. In 2022, Canada rolled out a C$38.6 billion (around $28 billion) plan to contribute towards upgrading Norad.
Relations between the two countries have strained since Trump began a trade war and openly hinted at Canada to be made a 51st US state. The declaration of the Golden Dome defense system now seems set to further escalate tensions between Trump and Canada.
The Proposed 'Golden Dome' Defense System
Trump unveiled the concept of the Golden Dome a week ago, projecting the entire cost of the project at around $175 billion and hoping it will be in place by the end of his term in 2029. The system hopes to have a comprehensive protective shield covering the US from threats like ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, and advanced cruise missiles.
However, the technology behind Trump’s plan remains unproven—particularly the use of space-based interceptors to destroy incoming ballistic missiles.
Experts warn that the project faces significant technical and political hurdles and that the actual costs could far exceed Trump’s initial projections.
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