President Donald Trump presented Canada with an online offer to join his multi-billion Golden Dome missile defense system for free – on the condition that it ceases being a country and joins the U.S.
Trump spelled out the stark terms in a Truth Social post where he once again resumed his pressure for Canada to become the 51st U.S. state.
‘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 posted.
It came days after Trump gushed about the new missile defense system for the entire country and continent that he said would work with near ‘100 percent’ accuracy.
‘We’re going to have it at the highest level,’ Trump said. ‘Canada has called us and they want to be a part of it,’ Trump added. But his language indicated continued disgruntlement, saying ‘as usual, we help Canada as best we can.’
The line appeared to resurface Trump’s regular gripes about the U.S. footing the bill for Canada’s defense. He said the success rate against incoming missiles ‘is very close to 100 percent.’
President Donald Trump said it will cost Canada $61 billion to join his Golden Dome if the country remains ‘separate’
The ‘big, beautiful bill’ that squeaked through the House contains $25 billion for the program, although there are estimates it could cost up to half a trillion due to the massive territory the system would seek to protect.
‘We’re talking about $175 billion total cost when it’s completed,’ Trump said, brushing off skeptics. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called it a ‘game changer.’
Pressed on whether military brass liked the idea, Trump responded: ‘I suggested it and they all said, ‘We love the idea sir.’ That’s the way it’s supposed to be, right?’
Trump’s post about Canada came on a day King Charles snatched a line from the Canadian national anthem to call the nation ‘strong and free.’
Trump posted on Canada on a dauy King Charles III delivered the Speech from the Throne opening Parliament
‘As the anthem reminds us, True North is indeed strong and free,’ Charles said in a speech to mark the opening session of Canada’s parliament, quoting from ‘O Canada.’
The King also spoke of an economic and security relationship rooted in ‘mutual respect’ between the U.S. and Canada. The speech was written by PM Mark Carney’s office. Carney blasted out a clip from the speech, which ended in Charles earning rousing applause.
Trump hosted Carney at the White House, after repeatedly dissing his predecessor Justin Trudeau as ‘governor’ in posts and statements, in a meeting that raised prospects for a cooling of passions after Canadians booed the U.S. National Anthem at hockey events following Trump’s statements and threats.
Trump has repeatedly told Canadians they would face lower taxes and a better life as part of the U.S. He has also said while slapping tariffs on Canada and other nations that the U.S. doesn’t ‘need’ Canadian lumber, cars, or other products.