Donald Trump says Golden Dome would cost Canada $61 billion US

U.S. President Donald Trump recently made headlines by putting a price tag on Canada joining his proposed Golden Dome missile defence system. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that it would cost Canada $61 billion US to join the Golden Dome if they choose to remain a separate nation. However, he added that the cost would be nothing if Canada were to become the 51st state of the United States.

This announcement comes amidst discussions in Canada about joining a major European defence rearmament plan, known as ReArm Europe. Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his hopes of Canada joining this initiative by July 1, aiming to reduce the country’s dependence on the U.S. for weapons and munitions. Carney’s commitment to this plan was highlighted during the recent throne speech delivered in Parliament by King Charles.

Trump’s post on social media also reignited discussions about the potential annexation of Canada by the U.S. This threat had previously been addressed by Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. ambassador to Canada, who stated that the annexation saga was over. However, Trump’s recent comments have brought the issue back into focus, raising concerns about potential tensions between the two nations.

In response to Trump’s post, the Prime Minister’s Office emphasized that Canada is an independent and sovereign nation, committed to maintaining its autonomy. Discussions between Canadian and U.S. officials regarding security-related issues, including the Golden Dome and NORAD, are ongoing as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

The Golden Dome missile defence system, inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, aims to provide advanced protection against incoming missiles from other countries and space. While Trump estimates the cost of the dome to be $175 billion US, experts suggest that the project could take up to 20 years and cost as much as $1 trillion to complete. The plan has faced criticism from China and raised concerns about the potential for a space-based arms race with other countries.

Overall, Trump’s proposal for Canada to join the Golden Dome missile defence system has sparked debates about national security, sovereignty, and international cooperation. As discussions continue between Canadian and U.S. officials, the future of this initiative remains uncertain.