On May 27, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that Canada could become the 51st state to join the United States and receive free access to the $175 billion “Golden Dome” missile defense system.
A new American missile defense project called “Golden Dome” aims to improve the security of the country and its allies. Canada strongly opposed the idea of statehood, even though it acknowledged that it is in discussions about the defense system.
The offer seems to be a calculated attempt by the Trump administration to advance a contentious political position while strengthening defense cooperation. In addition to stressing bilateral cooperation without sacrificing national identity, the Canadian government reaffirmed its sovereignty.
This idea has been vehemently denied by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has stated that his country is “not for sale” and has no intention of joining the United States.
In spite of this, Carney stated that talks are still going on about Canada’s potential involvement in the missile defense project, but only if a fair financial contribution is made.
International adversaries like Russia and North Korea have expressed concern about Trump’s missile defense plan, which they say threatens strategic stability and is modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome.
In a speech in Ottawa, King Charles III quietly addressed tensions between the United States and Canada while reiterating Canada’s independence.
The White House and the Canadian government have not formally responded to Trump’s remarks.
Important questions still surround Canada’s assessment of Trump’s most recent proposal, including whether the financial demand is warranted, what part it would play in the project, and how this might affect its sovereignty and established defense frameworks.
You can read the entire article about Trump’s new agreement with Canada if they become the “51st state” here for more details on this subject.