Overview

• President Trump asserted on Truth Social that Canada would pay $61 billion to remain independent but nothing if it became the 51st state under his “Golden Dome” proposal.
• Prime Minister Mark Carney responded that Canada “will never” be sold and categorically rejected any move toward U.S. statehood.
• The White House projects the multi-layer “Golden Dome” system—relying on space-based interceptors—would cost between $175 billion and $500 billion and take about three years to build.
• U.S. officials say Canadian radar installations over the Arctic are essential for detecting incoming threats, building on Canada’s roughly 40 percent investment share in NORAD.
• Ongoing discussions hinge on Ottawa’s cooperation for the defense network despite diplomatic strains over sovereignty and funding.