US President Donald Trump has rekindled hostilities with Canada through a provocative new offer. Writing on Twitter, Trump said Canada could have “free entry” into the United States’ Golden Dome defence system—on the condition that it accepts becoming the 51st state. Otherwise, the system would not be cheap.
“I informed Canada, which badly wishes to be included in our magnificent Golden Dome System, that it will pay $61 Billion Dollars if they continue as a separate, but unequal, Nation,” Trump posted on Truth Social. He went on to say that if the statehood option is taken by Ottawa, “it will cost them zero dollars,” and asserted that the Canadian government is said to be ‘considering the offer’.
Canada Rejects Statehood Proposal
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who sat down with Trump in May after winning his federal election, has categorically ruled out a merger with the US. During talks on the missile defence program, Carney admitted the advantages of having a system but scoffed at Trump’s political conditions.
“Is it a good idea for Canada? Yes, it is good to have protections in place for Canadians,” Carney said during a recent press briefing. But he was quick to state that Canada isn’t interested in giving up its sovereignty, going on to say, “Canada is not and will never be for sale.”
Worsening US-Canada Relations
The diplomatic relationships between the surrounding nations have become tattered since Trump came back to power. With past threats of tariffs and a recent drive for Canada to join the United States, Trump’s strategy has further stretched the gap. His recent proposal, adorned with taunts, still keeps Ottawa and Canadians in a state of discomfort.
What Is the Golden Dome?
The Golden Dome is an American missile defense system in development. The estimated cost of $175 billion will be used to protect against a wide array of threats, including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and hypersonic missiles. Due to become operational by 2029, Trump called the shield one that would “protect us—even if [the missiles] are launched from space.”
In spite of the strategic interest in joining such a program, Canada is determined to retain its sovereignty while pursuing negotiations on security cooperation.
