Trump claims Canada may become 51st state to receive free access to the U.S. Golden Dome defense system.

Trump Ties Missile Defense Offer to U.S. Statehood

U.S. President Donald Trump declared Tuesday that Canada was “considering” joining the United States as its 51st state in exchange for full coverage under the U.S. Golden Dome missile defense system, offered at no cost. The assertion comes amid escalating diplomatic rhetoric, as Canadian leaders firmly reject the idea of annexation.

“I told Canada, which very much wants to be part of our fabulous Golden Dome System, that it will cost $61 Billion Dollars if they remain a separate, but unequal, Nation, but will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “They are considering the offer!” he added.

The proposed Golden Dome system is a $175 billion missile defense architecture featuring satellite networks designed to detect and neutralize ballistic threats. Trump previously stated it would be fully operational within three years and include allied nations like Canada in its protective net.

Firm Rejections from Canadian Leaders

Canadian officials, however, remain unequivocal. Prime Minister Mark Carney, re-elected last month on a platform that included resisting Trump’s annexation proposal, firmly rejected the idea. “Our country won’t be for sale, ever,” Carney told Trump earlier this month.

Echoing this sentiment, King Charles III, Canada’s sovereign, delivered a pointed address before the Canadian Parliament. “Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away,” he said. He emphasized the nation’s commitment to its values and independence while calling for a forward-looking alliance strategy built on Canadian priorities.

Despite Trump’s characterization of Canada’s interest, Carney’s office confirmed that while discussions are ongoing with the U.S. on security cooperation—including the Golden Dome—there has been no indication of a willingness to trade sovereignty for defense benefits.

“Canadians gave the prime minister a strong mandate to negotiate a comprehensive new security and economic relationship with the United States,” a spokesperson from Carney’s office said. The spokesperson noted that these talks include bolstering NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) and related initiatives such as the Golden Dome.

As of now, Canada maintains that its role in joint security efforts will be on sovereign terms, not as a U.S. state. Nonetheless, Trump’s statements continue to draw headlines and raise questions about the future of North American defense integration and political diplomacy.