Trump Raises Canada Cost to $71 Billion for Golden Dome Defense

U.S. President Donald Trump has raised the price for Canada's inclusion in his proposed "Golden Dome" missile defense system from $61 billion to $71 billion, emphasizing that Canada must pay this steep amount to be part of the program. The Golden Dome, modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome, aims to protect North America against advanced missile threats, but development timelines suggest it may take several years to become operational. Trump reiterated his controversial suggestion that Canada could consider becoming the 51st U.S. state, which would grant it free access to the defense system, but warned that refusal to join would result in higher tariffs and financial obligations. Despite ongoing trade talks between U.S. and Canadian officials at the G7 Summit, Trump indicated that the missile defense deal would be negotiated separately and expressed a preference for faster, less complex trade agreements. The escalating demands and tariff pressures have strained the historically close U.S.-Canada relationship, leaving Canadian leaders uncertain about how to respond. Prime Minister Mark Carney has maintained a firm stance on trade while engaging with Trump, reflecting the complex dynamics of the current bilateral negotiations.