On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump stirred controversy once again by proposing that Canada could become the 51st state of the United States in exchange for free access to the ambitious antimissile defense system known as the "Golden Dome." Through his platform, Truth Social, Trump claimed that if Canada remains an independent nation, participating in the project would cost them $61 billion, but it would be free if they joined the U.S., as reported by Fox News.
"I told Canada, which is eager to be part of our fabulous Golden Dome System, that it would cost them 61 billion dollars if they stay a separate, yet unequal, nation, but it would cost ZERO if they become our beloved 51st State. They are considering the offer!" Trump wrote.
The statement elicited an immediate response from Ottawa. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney firmly stated that "Canada is not for sale and never will be," emphasizing that his government does not consider any surrender of sovereignty. In reply, Trump noted that the option of integration "was not off the table."
Canada's Sovereignty Strongly Defended
Carney, who recently secured a federal election victory with a strong stance against Trump's policies, has been adamant about reinforcing Canada’s independence. During a recent briefing, he mentioned that there are “active discussions” with the United States regarding defense cooperation, including the Golden Dome, but always from a position of sovereignty.
The Ambitious Golden Dome Project
Unveiled last week by Trump, the Golden Dome project aims to establish a space-based defense network to intercept intercontinental missiles and other threats. With an estimated cost of $175 billion, experts have raised doubts about the project's feasibility, pointing to the absence of mature technology to implement its critical components. According to the Financial Times, the U.S. Congressional Budget Office projects that the initiative could reach $542 billion in the long term.
International Support for Canadian Autonomy
Meanwhile, King Charles III addressed the Canadian Parliament, endorsing Canada’s sovereignty amid U.S. pressure. "Canada can forge new alliances that benefit all its citizens without relying on any foreign power," he declared, as reported by Euro News.
While Trump asserts that Canada has shown interest in joining the defensive shield, the political and diplomatic landscape suggests that any involvement in the system would be confined to bilateral agreements within the framework of NORAD, without compromising Canada’s autonomy.
FAQs on Canada's Potential Integration with the U.S.
Is Canada seriously considering becoming the 51st U.S. state?
Prime Minister Mark Carney has categorically stated that Canada is not for sale and will not relinquish its sovereignty, indicating no serious consideration of this proposal.
What is the Golden Dome defense system?
The Golden Dome is a proposed space-based defense network aimed at intercepting intercontinental missiles and other threats, with an estimated initial cost of $175 billion.
How does Canada currently collaborate with the U.S. on defense?
Canada and the U.S. work together through NORAD, a bilateral organization responsible for aerospace warning, aerospace control, and maritime warning in defense of North America.