Trump to Canada: “It will cost you $61 billion, but zero if you become 51st state”

According to the President, Canada is considering the offer.

What is happening?

On May 20th, Donald Trump announced that plans for a new space-based missile defense system called the “Golden Dome”.

What is it?

Golden Dome is intended to shield the US from long-range and hypersonic missile threats and is inspired by the Iron Dome, that serves as the Israeli air defense.

Canada’s role

Trump said during the announcement that Canada had contacted the Trump administration and indicated that the country “want to be a part of it”.

But it’s not gonna be cheap, if Trump is to be believed.

$61 billion or zero

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said:

“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. They are considering the offer!”

Canadian leverage

The thing is that Canada might have the upper hand in these negotiations.

According to NDTV, the US cannot build the Golden Dome without Canadian help.

Why not?

Because of the large airspace over Canada, the Golden Dome would likely have to be supported by radar systems in Canada to make sure the air defense system actually works.

Already a big investor

Historically, Canada has played af big part in air and missile defence for North America, and according to NDTV, Canada has funded 40 % of NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command) investments.

Carmey: “We cooperate if necessary”

Canadian PM, Mark Carney, confirmed last week that his government is talking to the US regarding the Golden Dome. But he added:

“We cooperate if necessary but not necessarily cooperate.”