United States President Donald Trump has stirred controversy again, this time with a bold message to Canada.
He says the country must pay $61 billion if it wants to join the proposed Golden Dome missile defence system—unless it agrees to become the 51st state of the US.
The statement, posted on Trump’s TruthSocial platform, claims Canada is eager to be part of the system. Trump said joining the initiative would cost Canada “zero dollars” if it gave up its independence and became part of the United States. He added that Canadian leaders were “considering the offer.”
The timing of Trump’s remarks is especially striking. Just hours before, Canada’s parliament welcomed King Charles III, who gave a speech reinforcing Canadian sovereignty during what he called “dangerous and uncertain” times. Prime Minister Mark Carney also spoke to Canadian broadcaster CBC, noting plans for Canada to join ReArm Europe, a separate European defence effort aimed at reducing dependence on the US.
Although Canada hasn’t officially responded to Trump’s latest claim, Carney had earlier confirmed that talks about the Golden Dome had taken place at senior government levels.
The Golden Dome system, which Trump introduced as a sweeping missile shield, is modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome—a much smaller defense network designed to intercept short-range threats. Trump has claimed the new US system would be built by 2029 at a total cost of $175 billion, with $25 billion coming from a new bill currently under review in the Senate.
But experts have raised concerns. While the Iron Dome protects a country about the size of New Jersey, the Golden Dome would need to cover the entire United States and possibly allies. It would also have to handle longer-range threats like ballistic and hypersonic missiles, which are more complex to intercept. Some are skeptical the plan can be delivered on time or within budget.
The international response has been swift. China, North Korea, and Russia have strongly condemned the idea. They argue that putting weapons in space will trigger a new global arms race and destabilize international security.
China’s Foreign Ministry warned that the US is pushing the world closer to conflict by prioritizing its own safety at the expense of global cooperation. North Korea accused the US of being “obsessed” with militarizing space. Russia said the plan would destroy decades of work toward strategic stability.
As global leaders watch closely, Trump continues to promote the Golden Dome as essential to US national security. But questions remain—not just about its cost and effectiveness, but also about how it may reshape global diplomacy and even challenge the identity of America’s closest allies.