Trump Offers Canada Free 'Golden Dome' Defense—If It Becomes 51st U.S. State

May 28, 2025 Khushi Kumari

On May 27, 2025, Donald Trump proposed that Canada could join the U.S.'s "Golden Dome" missile defense system for free if it becomes the 51st U.S. state

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The "Golden Dome" is a proposed $175 billion U.S. missile defense initiative aimed at countering advanced threats like hypersonic and intercontinental ballistic missiles

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Trump stated that if Canada remains independent, it would need to pay $61 billion to join the defense system

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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney firmly rejected the idea of statehood, reaffirming Canada's status as an independent nation

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Despite rejecting statehood, Canada is in talks with the U.S. about participating in the "Golden Dome" system under terms requiring fair financial contribution

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Trump's proposal has raised concerns among international adversaries like Russia and North Korea, who warn it threatens strategic stability

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Experts express skepticism about the "Golden Dome" system's feasibility and the massive costs involved—potentially up to $542 billion over 20 years

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