President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Canada must pay $61 billion to join his ambitious “Golden Dome” missile defense system—unless it agrees to become the 51st U.S. state, in which case participation would be free.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “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. They are considering the offer!”
The proposal, which blends high-stakes defense policy with Trump’s long-standing calls for deeper North American integration, immediately stirred reactions.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has previously dismissed any notion of joining the U.S., stating that his country is “never for sale.” His office reiterated that high-level talks are ongoing with Washington on joint security measures, but flatly rejected any scenario involving the loss of Canadian sovereignty.
King Charles III, Canada’s recognized sovereign, appeared to weigh in during a speech before Parliament on the same day as Trump’s remarks. Without naming the U.S. president, the King declared, “Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away.”
The Golden Dome system, first unveiled by Trump last week, is expected to cost the United States $175 billion and could be operational by the end of his second term in 2029. It would form a continent-wide satellite network capable of detecting and intercepting ballistic missiles, with Trump promising it would deliver “the most advanced defense shield in the world.”
“Canada has called us, and they want to be a part of it,” Trump said during the initial rollout. “So we’ll be talking to them; they want to have protection also.”
Carney’s office confirmed that Canada is in “active discussions” with the U.S. over joint defense efforts, including Golden Dome, as part of a broader effort to reinforce NORAD and modernize North American security architecture.
Still, Trump’s financial ultimatum and his public framing of Canada as a “separate, but unequal” nation mark a dramatic shift in tone. While defense cooperation between the two allies is routine, the $61 billion entry fee for remaining sovereign adds a political edge that could test the longstanding alliance.
For now, Canada has not officially responded to Trump’s latest remarks. But with negotiations ongoing and Trump doubling down on his vision for hemispheric defense unity under American leadership, the price of independence may be getting higher, at least rhetorically.