Trump Offers Canada Entry into ‘Golden Dome’ Defense – But at a Price
Former President Donald Trump is once again floating the idea of Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state — this time tying the proposition to an ambitious air defense initiative.
In a May 27 post on his Truth Social platform, Trump proposed two options for Canada: pay $61 billion to join his envisioned "Golden Dome" missile defense system, or receive access for free — if the country surrenders its sovereignty and joins the U.S.
“Canada, which very much wants to be part of our fabulous Golden Dome System, will have to pay $61 billion if it remains a separate, unequal nation,” Trump wrote. “Or it can pay nothing by becoming our cherished 51st state.”
The offer was swiftly rebuffed by Canadian officials. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Mark Carney told CBC on May 27 that while discussions with the U.S. on joint security — including NORAD and the Golden Dome — are ongoing, Canadian sovereignty is not on the table.
“The Prime Minister has been clear in all conversations with President Trump: Canada is an independent, sovereign nation, and will remain one,” the spokesperson said.
Earlier this month, Carney reportedly reaffirmed this stance during a May 6 Oval Office meeting, telling Trump that “Canada is not for sale.” However, he acknowledged to reporters that talks about missile defense collaboration were underway.
What Is the Golden Dome?
Initially dubbed the “Iron Dome for America,” the Golden Dome is modeled after Israel’s renowned multi-layered missile defense system. Developed in part with the U.S., Israel’s Iron Dome defends against short-range rocket and mortar attacks with a network of radar-guided interceptors.
Trump’s version envisions a far larger, U.S.-led system — including Canada, if it chooses to participate. On May 20, Trump announced a $25 billion initial investment in the program, aimed at full operational capability by 2029.
How Would It Work?
According to Senate testimony from Air Force Gen. Gregory Guillot, the Golden Dome would comprise three primary layers:
- Early-warning sensors to detect incoming threats.
- Ground-based interceptors to target ballistic missiles.
- Lower-altitude defenses against drones and hypersonic weapons.
The system would be bolstered by hundreds of satellites designed to detect and intercept missiles launched from adversarial nations such as China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia.
Cost and Criticism
While Trump has estimated the full cost of the program at $175 billion, a May 5 report from the Congressional Budget Office suggests the figure could exceed $800 billion over the next 20 years. The initial funding is folded into a tax reform package currently progressing through Congress.
The project has drawn skepticism from defense analysts regarding both its feasibility and its massive price tag. Additionally, geopolitical rivals including Russia, China, and North Korea have condemned the plan as destabilizing.
