Donald Trump has made a bold new demand to Canada—join the United States as the 51st state or face paying billions for missile defence.
Speaking on his social platform Truth Social, the U.S. President said Canada could receive full protection under his planned $175 billion “Golden Dome” missile defence system—for free—but only if it agrees to become part of the United States.
Trump wrote: “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.”
The new missile system, which Trump unveiled last week, is designed to protect the U.S. from foreign missile attacks and is expected to be fully operational before the end of his term.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney firmly rejected the idea. “Canada is not for sale. Ever,” he said. He explained that during a recent visit to the White House, Trump shifted from seeing Canadian annexation as an “expectation” to just a “desire.”
Trump’s latest pitch comes at a time of rising global tension, with fears of World War III growing. Trump appears to be using this fear as leverage in his push for deeper U.S.-Canada ties.
Prime Minister Carney also hosted King Charles III this week during a state visit. In a speech to Parliament, the King voiced support for Canada’s sovereignty, calling this a “critical moment” in the nation’s history. He said Canada must protect values like freedom, democracy, and self-determination.
Carney echoed this message, saying Canadians were not impressed with Trump’s attempts to influence the country’s direction. “Trump may still muse about it. But is it ever going to happen? No. Never,” he said.
As tensions rise and the world grows more uncertain, the debate over Canada’s future relationship with the U.S. appears far from over.
