Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on May 21 that Canada was engaged in discussions with the United States about participating in President Donald Trump’s ambitious “Golden Dome” missile defense initiative. When asked about the potential financial contribution from Canada toward this massive project, estimated to cost hundreds of billions of dollars, Carney declined to specify an amount. However, he emphasized that Canada was aware of its capacity to support and complete the Golden Dome through investments and partnerships if it chose to do so.
On May 27, President Trump responded by saying Canada could join the Golden Dome program at no cost, but with a significant condition attached. “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,” Trump posted on Truth Social.
Trump has frequently expressed his wish for Canada to become part of the United States, a proposal that has been met with strong opposition from Canadians.In a related development, King Charles III addressed the Canadian Parliament, emphasizing the importance of Canada’s sovereignty amid growing global tensions. His speech underscored Canada’s right to make independent decisions regarding its defense and international relations
Currently, the U.S. and Canada collaborate through the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), a joint air defense system. In 2022, Canada announced plans to invest approximately $28 billion over the next twenty years to modernize this existing defense infrastructure.
