Daijiworld Media Network- Washington
Washington, May 28: In a surprising move, US President Donald Trump has offered Canada participation in his ambitious “Golden Dome” missile defense project at no cost — provided Canada agrees to become the United States’ “cherished 51st state.” Otherwise, Trump warned, the cost for Canada’s involvement would be a staggering $61 billion.
Trump took to Truth Social to announce the offer, saying, “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 (it) will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State. They are considering the offer!”
Canada, however, has yet to issue an official response to this provocative proposal.
Earlier this year, Canadian then-Defence Minister Bill Blair expressed interest in joining the missile defense shield, describing it as “sensible” and aligned with Canada’s national interest. Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed “high-level” discussions have taken place regarding the project.
The Golden Dome initiative, unveiled by Trump recently, is a massive $175 billion plan to build a cutting-edge air and missile defense system across North America by 2029. Canada’s participation is considered crucial, especially for using its Arctic territories to host radar and tracking stations vital for detecting missile threats from nations like Russia and China.
US Senator Dan Sullivan from Alaska downplayed Canada’s role, calling it “helpful” but “not vital or existential.” However, retired US Air Force General Glen VanHerck highlighted Canada’s unique advantage, stating, “What Canada really brings is terrain,” referring to the strategic benefit of Arctic locations that dramatically improve early warning capabilities over the pole.
Despite these acknowledgments, Trump’s public suggestion that Canada should become a US state has drawn sharp criticism. During a recent White House visit, PM Mark Carney firmly rejected the idea, asserting Canada is “never for sale.”
The bold proposal risks straining the traditionally close US-Canada relationship, even as trade tensions have somewhat eased. Without Canada’s full backing, the future of the Golden Dome system remains uncertain.