U.S. President Donald Trump has made another bold move, this time offering Canada a chance to join his new defense project—on one huge condition. He wants Canada to become the 51st state of the United States. Despite Canada already turning him down multiple times, Trump seems confident that his latest proposal is too tempting to refuse.
Trump is using the fear of a potential World War III as a key reason for Canada to accept his deal. He recently introduced a massive \$175 billion missile defense system called the “Golden Dome.” He says it will protect America from foreign missile attacks and will use both land and space-based technology. Trump claims the system will be fully ready before the end of his current term in office.
Now, he’s saying Canada can be part of the Golden Dome system—but only for free if they agree to become part of the United States. If they refuse and want to stay independent, they’ll have to pay \$61 billion to get the same protection. Trump made this offer public through his social media platform, Truth Social. He said, “Canada wants to be part of our fabulous Golden Dome System. It will cost them \$61 billion if they remain a separate nation, but ZERO if they become our 51st state.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney didn’t take long to respond. He stood firm, saying clearly that “Canada is not for sale—ever.” In past conversations with Trump, Carney said he was able to move Trump’s thinking from a plan to absorb Canada into more of a fantasy or “desire.” He added that while Trump might still think about it, “it’s never going to happen.”
Carney also brought up how Canadians felt when UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer invited Trump to visit the UK for a second time. Carney said people in Canada weren’t happy about it, especially at a time when they were dealing with serious conversations about national sovereignty. It seemed like poor timing and bad messaging.
To make Canada’s independence even clearer, Prime Minister Carney recently invited King Charles III to visit. He described the King’s visit as a powerful moment to remind Canadians—and the world—of their country’s identity and sovereignty. During the visit, King Charles gave a speech that touched on this sensitive issue. He said Canada is at a critical point in its history and needs to protect values like democracy, freedom, and the right to self-determination. He made it clear that Canada must stay strong and protect what it believes in.
The King also talked about how the world is becoming more dangerous and unpredictable, and that the government must protect its people and its economy by building relationships with trusted allies. He acknowledged that leaders like Carney and Trump are trying to reshape the Canada-U.S. relationship, but he emphasized that this must happen with respect and with both countries remaining independent and equal partners.
So while Trump’s offer sounds dramatic—and even a bit threatening—Canada seems firm in its decision. The country is not interested in becoming part of the U.S., no matter how expensive the defense system might be or how dangerous the world becomes. For Canada, staying sovereign and true to its values is not up for negotiation.
