Trump Makes Canada A New Offer to Become 51st State

Donald Trump Makes Canada a New Offer to Become 51st State.

Newsweek
Published May 27, 2025 at 6:06 PM EDT
Updated May 27, 2025 at 7:47 PM EDT

President Donald Trump issued a new ultimatum to Canada on Tuesday, saying it can either pay $61 billion to be covered by the proposed U.S. "Golden Dome" missile defense system—or become the 51st state and get access to it free of charge.

Trump announced his latest offer to Canada on Truth Social, writing, "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!" he added.

Trump announced his administration's preferred concept for the Golden Dome missile defense program—a sprawling $175 billion initiative that would mark the first time the United States deploys weapons in space—last week.

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump told reporters he expects the system to be "fully operational before the end of my term," which ends in 2029. He also claimed the defense system would be able to intercept missiles "even if they are launched from space."

The Congressional Budget Office projected earlier this month that some elements of the Golden Dome project could cost up to $542 billion over the next 20 years. Trump has asked Congress for an initial $25 billion to fund the program.

The president's latest offer to Canada, meanwhile, comes after King Charles reaffirmed Canada's sovereignty and declared it "strong and free" in a historic address to Canada's parliament.

tenente · 36-40, M

American here. Attention Canadians:

No, we don't want Canada to be the 51st state.

King Charles III was captivating while delivering the throne speech. I watched on tv and I was impressed by the grace and dignity the King and Queen presented themselves on your countries behalf, while underlining your sovereignty and independence. I understand the monarch is a divisive topic in your nation. I'm not a fan of the monarchy either, but you have a powerful ally in the King and the commonwealth and this is a great moment for you to flaunt it.

Start taking defence seriously Canada. Defending the NW passage has never been more important with China and Russia knocking on your door from the Arctic. Your country used to be a leader in diplomacy and peace keeping but your leadership has left your military to rot.

Hypersonic missiles are a real threat that my country is not prepared to defend, and the 'golden dome' isn't a joke. it would be wise for your countries leaders to take part in this program too.

newjaninev2 · 56-60, F

@tenente after 250 years america is once again ruled by a mad king.
The 'Golden Dome' doesn't exist - just more of trump's flip-flame.
He and his mafia lieutenants will already be looking for ways to personally financially benefit from talking it up.

tenente · 36-40, M

@newjaninev2 I don't disagree, as I am also categorically disappointed in the President of my country. But my President won the election, the results were decisive, and here we are...

For everyone else: Hypersonic missiles are a real threat to the safety of my country. I do not care what you want to call our proposed defence strategy ( 'golden dome', 'MAGA-dome', 'con-dome' ) but we're exposed and need solutions. Canada, our ally and reliable neighbour, will be wise to be part of the solution too.