Trump demands 61 billion from Canada: Golden Dome or 51st state?

Trump demands 61 billion from Canada: Golden Dome or 51st state?

Ottawa, Kanada - Donald Trump announced on May 28, 2025 that Canada has to pay $ 61 billion in order to become part of the planned Golden Dome rocket defense system. In his statements, he emphasized that Canada was interested in participating in this system and could even pay “zero dollars” if it contributed as the 51st state of the United States. According to a speech by King Charles III, who praised the Canadian sovereignty, which gave the contextual background of the American defense plans.

The requirements that Trump places on Canada are part of a comprehensive three-year US project worth $ 175 billion that aims to strengthen the missile defense. Trump pursues the hope of securing $ 25 billion through the “Big, Beautiful Bill”, approved by the Republicans. The Golden Dome System is based on Israel's Iron Dome, which receives $ 500 million from the United States every year. Trump calculates that the project could be completed by 2029.

Canadian reaction and discussions

The Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed optimistically that Canada could join the Reaeart Europe initiative until July 1st to reduce the dependence on US weapons. The Canadian parliament has already had "high -ranking" talks with the USA for defense cooperation. Despite the interest of Canada, however, many details about the specific responsibility and the contributions remain unclear. The government noted that the talks have not yet been completed and are part of larger trading and security negotiations.

Canada's history in relation to participation in US rocket defense systems is complicated. Earlier rejections, especially in the early 2000s, crowded in the Norad system, and the lack of official participation has caused national security to consider it. A former Minister of Defense was critical of the previous political hesitation and advocated a resumption of the talks.

global safety concerns

The plans for the Golden Dome system are not only subject to American-Canadian relationships, but they are also viewed internationally. States such as China, North Korea and Russia are a matter of course, with which Trump drives the militarization of space, sharply criticized and warned of a new armaments race. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has indicated that the risks of a space war increase through these plans, while North Korea accuses the USA of militarization of the exterior.

In this context, the need for Canada to take on a more active role in rocket defense is increasingly considered. In view of the increasing threats from states such as North Korea and Iran, which have growing skills to develop ballistic rockets, the discussion about the security and defense of Canada and North America is again put on the agenda.

The debate about Canada's participation in the US missile defense program continues to be characterized by distrust and political considerations, which makes a clear answer to the challenge of global threats. The development of the American defense system, in connection with the aging sensors in the arctic space of Canada, underlines the need to check and adapt the national security strategy in a timely manner

For more information please visit Al Jazera , cbc and cgai.