Trump offers Canada free missile defence – If it becomes 51st state

Washington: Donald Trump has offered Canada free access to his proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence system – but only on the condition that it becomes the 51st state of the United States.

Speaking via his Truth Social platform on Tuesday, the former US president claimed Canada “very much wants to be part of our fabulous Golden Dome System” but would need to pay $61 billion if it remains a sovereign nation. “But (it) will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State,” Trump wrote. “They are considering the offer!”

The Canadian government has yet to issue an official response to the remarks. However, Prime Minister Mark Carney has previously rejected any suggestion that Canada would sacrifice its sovereignty, stating earlier this month during a visit to the White House that his country was “never for sale”.

Trump unveiled the Golden Dome project last week – a proposed $175 billion missile defence shield aimed at protecting the US against a broad spectrum of missile threats. He has said the system would be fully operational by the end of his presidential term in 2029. Defence analysts, however, have expressed scepticism, citing significant technological and political hurdles and questioning the project's cost estimates.

Canada, a long-standing NATO ally and NORAD partner with the US, has confirmed it held “high level” discussions about the defence system. Prime Minister Carney acknowledged the talks but stopped short of any formal commitment.

The latest remarks from Trump are expected to add to already strained relations between the two countries, especially following his imposition of fresh tariffs on Canadian goods earlier this year. Despite the tensions, Carney and Trump appeared to reach a cautious détente on trade issues during the Canadian leader’s recent Washington visit.