Trump stuns with proposal: Canada can join missile shield for free—if it becomes the 51st state
Former U.S. President offers security at “zero dollars” in exchange for Canadian statehood, sparking backlash and disbelief
Donald Trump has proposed a controversial deal to Canada: join the U.S. as its 51st state and gain free access to America’s new missile defense system—or pay $61 billion to stay independent.
In a post shared on May 27 via his Truth Social account, Donald Trump unveiled a striking proposal aimed directly at America’s neighbor to the north. The former president and Republican frontrunner claimed that Canada wants access to the “Golden Dome System,” a new U.S. missile defense initiative. But he added a dramatic condition: Canada can either pay a hefty price to stay separate or join the United States and pay nothing.
“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 wrote.
Trump’s “Golden Dome System” appears to be a version of Israel’s Iron Dome, upgraded with space-based sensors and interceptors. He says it will protect North America from threats “by land, sea, or space” by the end of his next term—if he wins re-election.
Trump’s claim that Canada is interested in joining the Golden Dome isn’t baseless. Back in early 2025, then-defence minister Bill Blair said Canada was open to joining the system, calling it a smart move for national security.
But Trump is now using that interest as leverage.
While Trump frames his offer as generous, critics argue it’s really a way to twist Canada’s arm. The alternative he’s proposing—full U.S. statehood—has stirred a mix of confusion, anger, and disbelief in both countries.
How Canada responded
Canada’s new prime minister, Mark Carney, who took office in late April, quickly dismissed Trump’s offer.
“Canada is never for sale,” he said firmly.
This sentiment echoes past rejections. In 2018, when Trump imposed steep tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pushed back, stating plainly that Canada would not bend to U.S. pressure—or become a U.S. state.
Trump’s past economic moves have left a mark on Canada–U.S. relations, and this new proposal seems to be reopening old wounds.
Despite Trump’s claims that Canada is “considering the offer,” Ottawa has made no official comment. Analysts on both sides of the border are calling the proposal political showmanship.
“It’s classic Trump: bold, headline-grabbing, and entirely unserious as policy,” said one Canadian political commentator. “But it gets people talking, and that’s the point.”
On social media, reactions ranged from shocked laughter to frustration. One Canadian user wrote, “We asked about a missile shield, not annexation.” Another added, “We fought to be independent for 150+ years. That’s not changing.”
Trump’s statehood-for-security proposal is unlikely to become reality. But it forces a conversation about the balance of power between nations—and the lengths some leaders will go to make headlines or exert influence.
While Canadians are unlikely to trade their maple leaf for stars and stripes, the deeper question lingers: how far will nations go to protect themselves in an increasingly uncertain world?
