Donald Trump offers Canada for free ‘Golden Dome’, but only if it becomes a ‘funded 51st US state’

US President Donald Trump stated that Canada could be included in his proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system “zero cost” if it agrees to become a “funded 51st state” of the United States or pays $ 61 billion to participate in the project.Trump wrote on Satya Social, “I told Canada, who wants to be a part of our magnificent Golden Dome system, that if they remain a separate, but uneven, nation, then it will cost $ 61 billion.”“But (this) will spend zero dollars if they become our funded 51st state. They are considering the proposal!” He said.So far, Canada has not released an official response to the proposal.

Earlier this year, during a visit to Washington, the then Defense Minister Bill Blair said the Canada missile was interested in joining the defense system, calling it “intelligent” and in the “national interest” of the country. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also confirmed that Canada had held a “high-level” talks about the proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system with the United States.“We are conscious that we have an ability, if we choose so, to complete the golden dome with investment in partnership (with the US). And this is something we are seeing and something that is discussed at a high level,” Carney said.The “Golden Dome” initiative announced by Trump last week is a $ 175 billion with the aim of creating an advanced air and missile defense shield in North America by the end of its tenure.This system depends more on Canada’s help, especially using Arctic land to install the radar and tracking stations required to detect missiles from countries such as Russia and China.“Would it be helpful? Perhaps, but it’s not important or existing,” Alaska Senator Dan Sulivan said, reducing Canada’s role. But many defense experts and officials have otherwise argued.Retired US Air Force General Glenn Vanhark stressed that “what Canada really brings, the terrain,” which significantly enhances the North American early warning capabilities.He said, “If we can move northwards north in the Arctic, or pursue the Canadian positions, the dramatically increases the ability of the United States and Canada to see the pole in Russia, in China and other places,” he said.Nevertheless, Trump appeared to reduce the importance of Canada in the project during his unveiling.Despite the ongoing conversation and shared defense responsibilities through Norad, Trump’s state’s comments and aggressive posture risk stressed the US-Canada relationship. North American neighbor Canada and the United States are partners in continental defense through the North American Aerospace Defense Command (Norad).During the recent visit to the White House, PM Mark Carney rejected Donald Trump’s statement strongly that Canada should become the 51st US state, stating that his country is “never for sale.”Although some trade tension has declined, Trump’s proposed Golden Dome missile defense system is uncertain without full support of Canada. So far, no final agreement has been signed, but Trump has carried forward the idea of ​​close ties, as far as Canada has been suggested to join America as a state.