SB. Trump's new deal to Canada if they become '51st state'

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again made headlines after referencing Canada in remarks about a proposed national missile defense system, nicknamed the “Golden Dome.” The comments, shared on his social media platform Truth Social, suggest that Canada could avoid program-related costs by becoming the United States’ 51st state—an idea not supported by any official Canadian sources.

Here’s what is verifiably known about Trump’s comments, the context behind them, and the actual positions of the Canadian government.

What Is the “Golden Dome” Proposal?

In May 2025, Trump shared details about what he calls the “Golden Dome System,” which he described as a next-generation missile defense program aimed at protecting the United States from aerial and space-based threats. The term appears to draw inspiration from Israel’s Iron Dome, a mobile air defense system designed to intercept short-range rockets and artillery shells.

This post quickly went viral, but it should be emphasized that no official negotiations, agreements, or policy decisions have been announced by the Canadian or U.S. government that support this claim.

Canada’s Official Position on Statehood

Canada remains a sovereign nation and has no plans or proposals to join the United States as a state. In fact, multiple Canadian leaders have historically and recently reaffirmed the country’s commitment to its national identity, sovereignty, and independent governance.

Following trade disagreements during Trump’s presidency, including U.S. tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel in 2018, then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau firmly rejected the idea of any political merger.

There is no indication that this stance has changed under new Canadian leadership. On April 28, 2025, Mark Carney, former Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, was elected as Canada’s Prime Minister. In early public statements, Carney emphasized Canada’s commitment to its national sovereignty.

The Missile Defense Context: Is Canada Involved?

Discussions about continental missile defense cooperation are not new. Canada and the United States jointly manage NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command), a military alliance responsible for aerospace warning and defense across the continent.

In February 2023, Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair acknowledged that Canada was “open to exploring future participation in U.S. missile defense programs,” particularly in light of emerging global threats. He stated that aligning with U.S. defensive strategies “makes sense” for Canada’s national interest. However, this was a reference to collaboration—not to political integration or statehood.

So far, no Canadian ministry or official agency has confirmed any involvement in the so-called “Golden Dome” initiative mentioned by Trump.

Understanding the $61 Billion Comment

Trump’s assertion that Canada would have to pay $61 billion to remain independent and participate in the Golden Dome system, versus “zero dollars” as a state, has not been substantiated by government documentation from either side of the border.

No formal budget allocations, agreements, or invoices related to the defense system have been publicly released. As such, the $61 billion figure appears to be an illustrative or rhetorical device used by Trump to contrast perceived benefits of U.S. statehood versus foreign cooperation.

Political analysts across North America have described the comment as part of Trump’s broader communication style, which often includes provocative or attention-grabbing statements. However, they have also noted that such remarks do not reflect the actual status of diplomatic relations or ongoing military agreements between the two countries.

Has Canada Responded?

As of late May 2025, there has been no official response from the Canadian government regarding Trump’s May 27 post. Canadian media, including outlets such as CBC News and The Globe and Mail, have reported on the statement but emphasized that Ottawa has not issued a formal reply, nor has it engaged in related policy discussions.

Reactions Across the Border

In the United States, Trump’s comments have drawn a mix of reactions. Supporters have praised the concept as part of his national security agenda, while critics view it as a distraction from more pressing policy matters.

Independent defense analysts have pointed out that the development of any space-based missile defense system would likely require decades of planning, international cooperation, and substantial funding—regardless of which party holds office.

According to the U.S. Congressional Budget Office (CBO), similar missile defense initiatives proposed in the past, such as those under the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) in the 1980s, projected costs in the hundreds of billions of dollars over multiple decades.

The Broader Implications

While Donald Trump’s comments may generate public discussion, the reality remains that Canada is a fully independent country, and there are no serious political efforts or public support for any change in that status. A poll conducted by Angus Reid Institute in 2024 found that over 85% of Canadians support maintaining Canada’s independent status.

The “51st state” notion has appeared in political satire and online discussions for years but has no legal or procedural pathway under current constitutional frameworks in either country.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s remarks about Canada potentially becoming the 51st state, made in the context of a missile defense proposal, have sparked discussion but are not grounded in official policy or active diplomacy. Canadian leaders, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, have reiterated the country’s independence, and there is no evidence that the Canadian government is entertaining any such proposal.

While the idea has made headlines, it serves more as a reflection of Trump’s rhetorical style than a roadmap for U.S.-Canada relations. As of now, Canada remains a proud and autonomous nation, with no plans to alter its status on the international stage.

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