• Trump proposed Canada can join the 'Golden Dome' defense system for free if it becomes the 51st state.
• If Canada remains independent, it would cost $61 billion for participation in the missile defense plan.
• This proposal has sparked significant political tension between Canada and the US.

President Donald Trump has publicly offered Canada the opportunity to join his proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system for free if it agrees to become the "cherished 51st state" of the United States. Otherwise, Canada would need to pay a hefty fee of $61 billion to participate in the system, which Trump claimed Canada "very much wants to be part of" according to his post on Truth Social. "They are considering the offer!" he stated, indicating a possible interest from Canadian officials in the new defense plan, which aims to protect against various threats including missile attacks, according to Newsweek, Channel News Asia, TRT Global, and India Times.

During a recent announcement, Trump outlined his ambitious $175 billion initiative to create the Golden Dome system, which he claims would be operational by 2029. He described the plan as utilizing advanced technologies including space-based interceptors. However, experts have raised concerns about the feasibility and the actual costs that might greatly exceed Trump's estimates, particularly the challenges related to space-based missile defense systems, as discussed by South China Morning Post and Al Jazeera.

Although Canada has expressed interest in joining the defense system, Prime Minister Mark Carney has firmly rejected the idea of Canada becoming a US state, asserting during discussions that Canada is "never for sale". He emphasized partnership opportunities but maintained a clear boundary regarding national sovereignty. The long-term defense cooperation between the US and Canada, through frameworks such as NATO and NORAD, has faced added tensions in light of Trump's recent proposals, as outlined in comments made by Carney and backed by various sources, including Business Insider and AA.