US President Donald Trump said that Canada could be included in his proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system at “zero cost”, if it agrees to become the “cherished 51st state” of the United States or pay $61 billion to take part in the project.“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,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.“But (it) will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State. They are considering the offer!” he added.So far, Canada has not issued an official response to the proposal.Earlier this year, during a visit to Washington, then-defence minister Bill Blair said Canada was interested in joining the missile defense system, calling it “sensible” and in the country’s “national interest.” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also confirmed that Canada had held “high-level” talks with the United States about joining proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system.“We are conscious that we have an ability, if we so choose, to complete the Golden Dome with investments in partnership (with the US). And it’s something that we are looking at and something that has been discussed at a high level,” Carney said.The “Golden Dome” initiative announced by Trump just last week, is a sweeping $175 billion plan aimed at building an advanced air and missile defense shield across North America by the end of his term in 2029.The system depends heavily on Canada’s help, especially using Arctic land to set up radar and tracking stations needed to detect missiles from countries like Russia and China.“Would it be helpful? Probably, but it’s not vital or existential,” said US Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska, downplaying Canada’s role. But many defence experts and officials have argued otherwise.Retired US Air Force General Glen VanHerck emphasised that “what Canada really brings is terrain,” which significantly enhances North American early warning capabilities.“If we can position, or Canada positions, over-the-horizon radars further north in the Arctic, that dramatically increases the United States and Canada’s ability to see over the pole into Russia, into China and other places,” he added.Yet, Trump appeared to downplay Canada’s importance in the project during its unveiling.Despite ongoing talks and shared defense responsibilities through NORAD, Trump’s statehood remarks and aggressive posture risk straining US-Canada relations. North American neighbours Canada and the United States are partners in continental defense through the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).During a recent visit to the White House, PM Mark Carney firmly rejected Donald Trump’s statement that Canada should become the 51st US state, stating that his country is “never for sale.”Although some trade tensions have eased, the future of Trump’s proposed Golden Dome missile defense system remains uncertain without Canada’s full support. So far, no final agreement has been reached, but Trump continues to push the idea of closer ties, going as far as suggesting Canada join the US as a state.
