Trump demands $61 billion from Canada or offers statehood for Golden Dome defense

Wednesday 28 May 2025 - 08:31

By: Zahouani Ilham

Trump demands $61 billion from Canada or offers statehood for Golden Dome defense

U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed that Canada either pay $61 billion to join the new Golden Dome missile defense system or become the 51st state of the United States to access it for free.

Writing on TruthSocial, Trump stated that Canada is eager to be part of the Golden Dome initiative, which he described as "fabulous." He offered Canada the option to participate at no cost if it chooses to integrate as a U.S. state, suggesting the country is currently considering the offer.

This statement came shortly after the Canadian Parliament hosted King Charles III, who highlighted Canada's sovereignty during a rare address amidst global instability. The same day, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told CBC that Canada aims to align with ReArm Europe by July 1, reducing its military reliance on the U.S. Carney acknowledged that "high-level" discussions on missile defense have taken place with the U.S., though no official response to Trump's demand has been issued.

Trump envisions the Golden Dome system—modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome—costing about $175 billion, with a target completion by 2029. He plans to initiate the project with a $25 billion allocation through the so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill,” which recently passed the Republican-led House and awaits a Senate vote. The bill increases military and border spending while cutting funding for social programs like Medicaid and food assistance.

Critics have raised doubts about the feasibility of such a large-scale system, noting Israel's smaller size and the Iron Dome’s limited range. Unlike the Iron Dome, which targets short-range threats, the U.S. system would need to intercept long-range ballistic and hypersonic missiles.

International reactions have been negative. China, North Korea, and Russia all condemned the Golden Dome plan, especially its potential to deploy weapons in space. China warned it could trigger a space arms race and destabilize international security. North Korea accused the U.S. of pushing for the militarization of space. Russia’s Foreign Ministry claimed the plan threatens global strategic stability and represents a dangerous move toward preemptive military action, turning space into a theater of war.