Recently, former U.S. President Donald Trump made a surprising claim. He said Canada is thinking about becoming the 51st state of the United States. Why? Because Canada would get free protection from Trump’s new missile defense plan called the Golden Dome.
Trump shared this idea on his social media site, TruthSocial, right after King Charles spoke to Canada’s parliament. The King talked about the many challenges Canada faces today. He also said that Canada’s government is committed to keeping the country independent and safe.
“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!” Trump wrote, providing no evidence to support his assertion.
However, Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has been clear. He has rejected Trump’s idea many times. The Prime Minister’s office told CTV News that Canada is a free and independent country and will remain that way. This message has been repeated in all Carney’s talks with Trump.
Last week, Trump introduced the Golden Dome plan. This is a big missile defense system designed to protect the U.S. from attacks using advanced missiles, including some that come from space. Trump said the system would use new technology on land, sea, and space, like satellites that can stop missiles. He hopes it will be ready by January 2029, but it might cost as much as $500 billion.
While Trump said Canada could only join the Golden Dome if it becomes a U.S. state, Canada is more interested in working with the U.S. in other ways. The Prime Minister’s office said Carney’s government is working on a new security and trade deal with the U.S., which includes improving NORAD, a joint defense program, and other projects like the Golden Dome.
Before Trump spoke, King Charles gave a strong message to Canada’s parliament. He reminded everyone that Canada is an independent country. He said Canada wants to build better economic and security relationships with the U.S. based on respect. The King also said Canada wants to make friends with trusted countries worldwide.
Although the Canadian government wrote most of the King’s speech, Charles added personal words that showed Canada wants to stay independent. Many people think this was a quiet reply to Trump’s offer.
In short, Trump’s idea of Canada becoming the 51st state in exchange for free missile defense has been clearly rejected by Canadian leaders. But Canada is still open to working closely with the U.S. to protect both countries.
