In a provocative social media post on Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump said Canada would need to pay US$61 billion to participate in his proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence system — unless it opted to join the United States as the 51st state, in which case, he claimed, the cost would be waived.
The comments, posted on Trump’s Truth Social platform, came just hours after King Charles III delivered a rare Speech from the Throne in Canada’s Parliament — one that strongly emphasized Canadian sovereignty and outlined new defence commitments, including deeper cooperation with European allies.
“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,” Trump wrote. “They are considering the offer!”
The Prime Minister’s Office swiftly responded, stating that Canada is and will remain an independent nation. “The Prime Minister has been clear at every opportunity, including in his conversations with President Trump, that Canada is an independent, sovereign nation, and it will remain one,” the statement said.
The White House did not immediately clarify how Trump calculated the US$61 billion figure.
Trump unveiled the “Golden Dome” project last week — a sprawling US$175 billion missile defence system intended to shield North America from aerial threats. He quickly claimed that Canada was eager to participate, but stressed it would need to “pay its fair share.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed discussions were underway between Ottawa and Washington about the Golden Dome system but said it was one of several options under review. He did not indicate how much Canada would be willing to contribute.
The Liberal government has already pledged more than $30 billion in new defence investments over the next four years, including a $6 billion commitment to an Arctic radar system, expected to bolster continental missile detection and early warning capabilities.
While Tuesday’s throne speech did not directly mention the Golden Dome plan, it confirmed Canada’s commitment to join the European Union’s “ReArm Europe” initiative, aimed at boosting arms production and reducing reliance on U.S. defence systems.
Still, the speech acknowledged that Carney and Trump are in the early stages of “defining a new economic and security relationship” between the two countries, based on “mutual respect” and shared goals.
King Charles III’s appearance — the first time in nearly 50 years that a reigning monarch has delivered Canada’s throne speech — was intended, according to Carney, to underscore the urgency of defending Canadian sovereignty in the face of Trump’s increasingly aggressive rhetoric.
“As the anthem reminds us, the True North is indeed strong and free,” said the King, drawing a prolonged standing ovation in the House of Commons.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre welcomed the symbolism of the monarch’s presence, framing it as a reminder of Canada’s enduring independence and British parliamentary traditions.
“I think it’s important that the world recognizes that we have those ancient traditions, and that the Americans recognize that we are an independent and free country that will make its own decisions,” Poilievre said.
Although Trump had dialed back his statehood suggestions since Carney’s election in March, he reiterated the offer during a recent Oval Office meeting. When asked whether it remained on the table, Trump quipped, “Never say never,” as Carney silently mouthed back to reporters: “Never.”
