Donald Trump recently announced that Canada could join his proposed missile defense system, dubbed the "Golden Dome," but it would come at a hefty price. In a post on TruthSocial, Trump stated that Canada would need to pay $61 billion to participate as a separate nation. However, he also suggested that if Canada became the 51st state of the U.S., the cost would be zero.
Trump claimed that Canada is eager to join the Golden Dome system and would benefit from free access if it aligns with the U.S. His comments came shortly after King Charles III addressed Canada’s parliament, emphasizing the importance of Canadian sovereignty in today’s uncertain times. Following the king’s speech, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed hopes for Canada to join a European defense initiative by July 1, aiming to lessen its reliance on the U.S. for military support.
While Canada has not officially responded to Trump’s remarks, there have been reports of "high-level" discussions between U.S. and Canadian officials regarding the missile defense system. The Golden Dome is projected to cost around $175 billion and is expected to be completed by 2029, although experts have raised doubts about the feasibility of this timeline and budget.
Trump is seeking $25 billion in initial funding through his "Big, Beautiful Bill," which is set to be voted on in the Senate. This bill proposes increased military spending while cutting funds for social programs. The Golden Dome is modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome, which is designed to intercept short-range missiles. Critics have pointed out that scaling such a system to cover the entire U.S. poses significant challenges.
The announcement has drawn criticism from countries like China, North Korea, and Russia. They argue that Trump’s plan could lead to an arms race in space and undermine global security. China’s foreign ministry warned that the plan could escalate tensions, while Russia’s officials expressed concerns about the potential for a militarized outer space.
As discussions continue, the future of the Golden Dome system remains uncertain, with many questions about its funding, timeline, and overall viability.