President Donald Trump is telling Canada to join the United States as its 51st state to avoid being charged $61 billion to join his plan to create a “Golden Dome” air defense system.
Trump’s threat to charge the northern country comes on the same day King Charles III opened the Canadian Parliament as monarch for the first time. Charles’s gesture was meant to reiterate Canada’s independence from the U.S. and subtly remind Trump that the nation remains a member of the British Commonwealth.
However, Trump appeared unmoved by the symbolic display.
“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!” Trump wrote on Truth Social Tuesday evening.
It’s unclear if Canada, which has repeatedly thumbed its nose at joining the U.S., is seriously considering Trump’s offer.
The Washington Examiner contacted the Canadian Embassy for comment.
Trump announced his ambitious plan for the Pentagon to create a Golden Dome air defense system last week. Gen. Michael Guetlein, the second-highest-ranking Space Force officer, will lead the effort.
As Trump has floated annexing Canada, its leaders have unequivocally rejected the offer and even retaliated against Trump’s 25% tariff threats on Canadian steel and aluminum products before tamping down on a trade war.
KING CHARLES APPLAUDS ‘SELF-DETERMINATION’ OF ‘STRONG AND FIERCE’ CANADA BUT PLAYS NICE ON TRUMP
Charles’s speech to the Canadian Parliament, however, was another reminder that Trump’s goal of making Canada the 51st is unlikely to happen during his administration.
“The crown has for so long been a symbol of unity for Canada. It also represents stability and continuity from the past to the present. As it should, it stands proudly as a symbol of Canada today, in all her richness and dynamism,” Charles told the Canadian Parliament. “As the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free!”