Former U.S. President Donald Trump invited Canada to join his proposed $175 billion ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense system for free. However, he set a condition that Canada must become the 51st state of the United States. Trump wrote in a social media post, “I told Canada that if they remain a separate country, it will cost them $61 billion, but if they join the U.S. as the 51st state, it will cost them zero dollars.” He also mentioned that Canada is currently considering this proposal.

Last week, President Trump unveiled plans for the Golden Dome missile defense system. This is a $175 billion multi-layered system designed to take American weapons into space for the first time. From the Oval Office, Trump stated that the system is expected to be fully operational by 2029 and will be capable of intercepting missiles even when launched from space.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney acknowledged that his government is in talks with the United States about participating in the Golden Dome program. “It is good to take security measures for Canadians,” Carney said at a press conference last week. He confirmed that discussions about the advanced missile shield Golden Dome took place between President Trump and other senior U.S. officials.