Trump Dubiously Claims Canada Is ‘Considering’ Becoming the 51st State in Exchange for ‘Golden Dome’ Protection

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

President Donald Trump claimed that Canada’s leaders are “considering” becoming a U.S. state in exchange for the protection of his proposed “Golden Dome.”

In January, Trump signed an executive order calling for a more expansive missile defense system, which would use space-based weapons and technology. The endeavor is expected to cost at least $175 billion, and potentially $500 billion. It would take about three years to build.

One major issue for Trump is that he needs Canada to go along with the plan because radar in the country would play a key role in spotting missiles launched over the Arctic and at the U.S. As Politico noted, Canada has historically footed about 40% of investments in the North Atlantic Aerospace Defense Command.

On Tuesday, the president posted an offer on Truth Social purporting to foot the entire “Golden Dome” bill in exchange for Canada’s entry into the union:

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. They are considering the offer!

It strains credulity to claim that Canadian leaders are entertaining such a proposition. Prime Minister Mark Carney has been unequivocal regarding Trump’s insistence that Canada become a state. His predecessor, Justin Trudeau, was a target of ridicule for Trump, who referred to Trudeau as “Governor” and spoke more frequently about Canadian statehood than he does under Carney’s premiership.

During a visit to the White House earlier this month, Carney politely explained the facts of life to his American counterpart.

“As you know from real estate, there are some places that are never for sale,” Carney told Trump. “That’s true. We’re sitting in one right now. Buckingham Palace, that you visited as well… And having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign, last several months, it’s not for sale. It won’t be for sale ever.”