Trump says Canada will pay $61B for ‘Golden Dome,’ but zero as ’51st state’

The social media post came hours after King Charles III delivered the speech from the throne in Canada's Parliament, which particularly focused on asserting Canada's sovereignty.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Canada will have to pay US$61 billion to be part of his “Golden Dome” space-based missile defence plan — but would pay nothing if it becomes part of the U.S., a message he claimed to have “told Canada” himself.

The social media post came hours after King Charles III delivered the speech from the throne in Canada’s Parliament, which particularly focused on asserting Canada’s sovereignty and included plans for bolstering national defence.

“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 on Truth Social. “They are considering the offer!”

Global News has reached out to the Prime Minister’s Office for a response. It also asked the White House how Trump came to the US$61 billion dollar amount, but did not immediately hear back.

Trump unveiled his plans for the estimated US$175-billion “Golden Dome” system last week and quickly said Canada wants to be involved, but would have to “pay their fair share.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed his government was talking to the Trump administration about the Golden Dome, but stressed it was among several “options” Canada was looking at in securing defence partnerships with its allies.

Carney did not say how much his government would be willing to spend as part of a “Golden Dome” partnership.

The Liberals committed to add more than $30 billion in new defence spending over the next four years in its campaign platform. Carney announced a $6-billion Arctic radar system investment prior to the election, which experts say would help contribute to continental missile defence.