Donald Trump is once again pushing the idea that Canada, which has one of the largest economies and a land size slightly bigger than the United States, should become the 51st American state. This time, he’s tying the proposal to an offer for Canada to join a large-scale air defense system.
On May 27, Trump posted on his Truth Social account, saying that Canada has two options: either pay billions of dollars to join the proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense program or receive full access at no cost if they agree to give up their independence.
In his words, Trump stated, “I told Canada, which strongly wants to be part of our great Golden Dome System, that the cost would be $61 billion if they choose to remain a separate but unequal country. However, if they agree to become our 51st state, they will pay nothing.”
Canada’s Response and Ongoing Defense Talks
Previous discussions between the United States and Canada have already touched on similar topics. During a meeting in the Oval Office on May 6, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told Trump clearly that Canada is not up for sale.
Later that day, while speaking with reporters, Carney confirmed that he was having talks with the U.S. president about the missile shield proposal.
Trump went on to say that Canada is thinking about accepting the offer. However, a spokesperson from the Prime Minister’s Office quickly pushed back on that idea.
In a statement made to CBC on May 27, the spokesperson clarified that although officials are having conversations with the United States about joint security concerns, including NORAD and the Golden Dome, there is no consideration of Canada giving up its nationhood.
According to that statement, the Canadian prime minister has always made it clear, including in all his meetings with President Trump, that Canada is a self-governing country and intends to stay that way.
