President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Canada is thinking about becoming the 51st state to avoid paying a $61 billion bill for access to the U.S.’s new “Golden Dome” missile defense system.
“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. “They are considering the offer!”
Canadian leaders haven’t officially responded, but Prime Minister Mark Carney has rejected the idea of statehood before—and strongly. In fact, his refusal to even entertain the suggestion helped him win his recent election. His government has been clear: Canada isn’t joining the U.S.
Still, talks between the two countries are happening—just not about becoming one. Carney’s office confirmed last week that Canada and the U.S. are discussing joint defense programs, including the Golden Dome system.
“Canadians gave the prime minister a strong mandate to negotiate a comprehensive new security and economic relationship with the United States,” said Carney’s spokesperson Audrey Champoux, according to the BBC. “These discussions naturally include strengthening [North American Aerospace Defense Command] and related initiatives such as the Golden Dome.”
Trump introduced the Golden Dome system last week. He says it will cost $175 billion, be ready in three years, and protect North America from missile attacks using satellites and interceptors. He also claimed Canada reached out to be part of it.
“Canada has called us, and they want to be a part of it. So we’ll be talking to them; they want to have protection also,” Trump said at the White House.
