Ottawa slams U.S. president’s proposal to join the missile shield for free if Canada becomes America’s 51st state.
Canada responded sharply on Wednesday to a controversial proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump, who offered to include the country in the “Golden Dome” missile defense system for free—on the condition that it join the United States as the 51st state. Canadian officials labeled the offer “mafia-style extortion” and “a bribe.”
Bob Rae, Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations, said on social media that Trump’s proposal, made publicly via Truth Social, would in any other context be considered a form of mafia blackmail.
Doug Eyolfson, a Liberal Party lawmaker from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s governing party, called the offer “outrageous” and declared: “It’s a bribe to make us the 51st state. And Canada does not accept bribes.”
On Tuesday night, Trump wrote that if Canada wanted to join the Golden Dome missile defense system, it would need to pay $61 billion, roughly a third of the program’s total cost. But he added: “It will cost them ZERO DOLLARS if they become our beloved 51st state. They’re considering the offer!” falsely suggesting that Ottawa was weighing such a move — something Canadian officials categorically denied.
In a CBC interview shortly before Trump’s post, Prime Minister Carney had already warned about the risks of Canada’s heavy economic and security dependence on the United States.
“We’re seeing the dangers of extreme dependence on the U.S. So, as I said the other day, we will cooperate where necessary, when it clearly serves both countries. But we will not cooperate by obligation,” Carney said.
He pointed out that for every defense dollar Canada spends, 75% ends up going to the U.S., which he called “unwise.” Carney signaled that his government would diversify spending and channel more toward European partners.
In this context, the Canadian government has announced plans to join the ReArm Europe program before July 1. The initiative gives access to European Investment Bank funds and private capital to strengthen defense capabilities.
Trump, meanwhile, insisted that Canada “wants to be part” of the program and that he is willing to include them, provided Ottawa makes an “appropriate” financial contribution. He also claimed the Canadian government has confirmed it is in talks with Washington about a potential role in the initiative.
Last week, Trump estimated that the Golden Dome missile defense system — pitched as a more advanced version of Israel’s Iron Dome — would cost approximately $175 billion. According to his projections, the system would be fully operational by the end of a potential second term, in 2029.
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