28-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Trump says ‘Golden Dome' would cost Canada US$61 billion – or free if it joins US
US President Donald Trump said Canada would need to pay US$61 billion to join the 'Golden Dome' system he has proposed to boost missile defence with space-based interceptors.
But the president needled Ottawa by saying he would be willing to protect Canada for free if the nation opted to join the United States, his latest suggestion that the northern neighbour would benefit from being absorbed by the US.
'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 said in a social media post on Tuesday. 'They are considering the offer!'
Trump last week detailed his ambitious effort to build a shield to protect the US from threats including ballistic missiles, hypersonics and advanced cruise missiles, saying that it would be fully operational by the end of his term.
The technology for Trump's plan was unproven, particularly using space-based interceptors to knock down incoming ballistic missiles.
The president has said the project would cost US$175 billion overall and Congress was seeking US$25 billion to begin work on the endeavour. The Congressional Budget Office, though, found the US may have to spend as much as US$542 billion over 20 years to fully develop and launch the space-based interceptors.
