Former U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked fresh controversy by declaring that Canada must pay $61 billion toward the construction of the U.S. “Golden Dome” defense shield or risk being “annexed as the 51st state.”
Speaking at a campaign rally in Detroit, Trump accused Canada of “riding on the backs of American taxpayers” when it comes to continental defense. “If Canada wants protection under the Golden Dome, they better pay for it. If not, maybe it’s time they joined the union — as state number 51,” Trump said, drawing both applause and alarm.
The “Golden Dome” is Trump’s flagship defense initiative — a proposed space-based missile shield designed to guard against nuclear threats. Critics argue the plan is technologically unrealistic and prohibitively expensive. Nonetheless, Trump has continued to push it as a centerpiece of his 2025 presidential campaign.
The remarks drew swift condemnation from Canadian officials. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office issued a brief statement rejecting “any suggestion of U.S. political absorption” and reaffirming Canadian sovereignty. Canadian Defence Minister Bill Blair called the comments “provocative and unacceptable,” warning that Canada’s defense policy “will not be dictated by American political theater.”
Trump’s $61 billion demand reportedly stems from a Pentagon estimate of Canada’s proportional share of Golden Dome development and operational costs. Trump argued that since the system would protect North America as a whole, Canada must contribute. He claimed he would implement tariffs and visa restrictions on Canadians if Ottawa refuses.
Canadian opposition parties also weighed in. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre accused Trudeau of allowing U.S. pressure to escalate unchecked. “This is what happens when Canada lacks a serious foreign policy,” he said. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh said the comments proved that Canada should pursue greater military independence.
International reaction has been mixed. NATO officials declined to comment directly but reiterated the importance of collective defense cooperation based on mutual agreement, not unilateral ultimatums. A spokesperson for the European Commission said the EU “expects respectful dialogue between sovereign nations.”
Analysts say Trump’s comments reflect his broader pattern of transactional diplomacy. “Trump views alliances through a financial lens. For him, protection means payment,” said Professor Elise Graham of Georgetown University. “But threatening annexation is something entirely different and will further erode U.S.-Canada relations.”
Though there is no indication that Trump has official backing for such an annexation proposal, the remarks have stirred debate in both countries. Some U.S. commentators dismissed the comments as bluster, while others warned they could inflame tensions with America’s closest neighbor.
The Golden Dome plan has already drawn domestic scrutiny. U.S. congressional leaders have raised questions about feasibility, cost, and the militarization of space. Trump insists the system is necessary to defend against new threats from Russia, China, and rogue actors.
As the 2026 U.S. election approaches, Trump appears to be doubling down on nationalist rhetoric and controversial proposals. Whether Canada will respond with policy shifts or continue to deflect remains uncertain, but tensions between the two countries appear to be entering a new phase.
Source; Al Jazeera
