Wednesday, May 28, 2025 - U.S. leader, Donald Trump, has claimed that Canada is considering becoming the 51st state of the United States in exchange for free inclusion in his proposed Golden Dome missile defence system.
Trump made the claim on his TruthSocial platform shortly
after King Charles addressed the opening of Canada’s parliament, where the
monarch acknowledged the country’s “unprecedented challenges” and emphasised
the government’s commitment to protecting Canada’s sovereignty.
“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.
They are considering the offer!” Trump wrote, providing no evidence to support
his assertion.
Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has consistently
rejected Trump’s proposals.
In a statement to CTV News, the prime minister’s office
reaffirmed Canada’s position: “The prime minister has been clear at every
opportunity, including in his conversations with President Trump, that Canada
is an independent, sovereign nation, and it will remain one.”
Last week, Trump unveiled his Golden Dome plan—a missile
defence system designed to protect the U.S. from ballistic, hypersonic, and
even space-based missile threats. He claimed the architecture for the system
was finalised and that it would deploy advanced technologies across land, sea,
and space, including satellite-based interceptors. He projected the system
would be fully operational by January 2029 and could cost as much as $500
billion.
While Trump suggested Canada’s participation in the Golden
Dome would depend on its statehood, Canada has expressed interest in broader
security cooperation. The prime minister’s office confirmed that Carney’s
government, empowered by a recent election victory, is negotiating a
comprehensive new security and economic relationship with the United States.
These talks include strengthening the North American Aerospace Defence Command
(NORAD) and related initiatives like the Golden Dome.
King Charles, addressing Canada’s parliament before Trump’s
remarks, delivered pointed comments emphasising Canada’s sovereignty and
independence. While acknowledging efforts to redefine the country's economic
and security ties with the U.S. based on “mutual respect,” he also stressed
that Canada is seeking to deepen partnerships with reliable allies around the
world.
Although the King’s speech is written by the Canadian
government, Charles added personal remarks reinforcing Canada’s commitment to
self-determination—statements widely interpreted as a subtle response to
Trump’s overtures.
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