Canada rejects Trump's free offer to join Golden Dome missile defense as 51st US State

Taking a strong stand on US President Donald Trump’s offer to let Canada join a revolutionary Star Wars type missile defense system for free if it agrees to become America’s 51st state, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office firmly rejected the offer.

"Canada is a proud, independent country and has no plans to give up its sovereignty,” the Prime Minister’s Office was quoted as saying by CTV. The statement came in response to Trump’s latest remarks offering Canada access to his proposed Golden Dome missile shield for either $61 billion if Canada decides to remain an independent country or for free if it joins the US as its 51st state.

The Golden Dome is a proposed US missile defense system to protect America from missile attacks and is estimated to cost up to US$175 billion. Trump claims the system can be made operational within three years.


In a campaign-style pitch, Trump said, “If Canada wants to be part of the Golden Dome, they can pay, or they can become a US state and get it for free.”

Trump made remarks criticizing Canada's past defense spending. He suggested Canada could only ensure its future security by joining the US system through financial means or political union.

Canada already works with the US on continental defense through NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command). The Canadian government has committed to modernizing NORAD and strengthening its northern defenses. It recently signed a C$6 billion deal with Australia to build a new radar system for the Arctic.

Canadian officials called Trump’s suggestion "unserious" and stressed that any talks about missile defense cooperation would be based on mutual respect and sovereignty.

The idea of Canada becoming a US state was quickly dismissed across the political spectrum. Critics say the proposal is unrealistic and deeply insulting to Canadian identity and sovereignty.

Despite the noise, discussions on missile defense and joint security efforts between Canada and the US are expected to continue strictly on Canadian terms.