President Trump claimed on Tuesday that Canada is “considering” relinquishing its sovereignty in exchange for free protection from the proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system. This is despite repeated statements from Canadian officials that the country is not for sale.

“I informed Canada, which is very interested in joining our fantastic Golden Dome System, that remaining a separate, but unequal, Nation will cost $61 Billion Dollars. However, becoming our cherished 51st State will cost ZERO DOLLARS,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

“They are considering the offer!” he asserted.

Trump has recently threatened to annex Canada, an idea strongly opposed by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Canadian citizens.

Prime Minister Mark Carney, who won re-election last month partly due to Canadian opposition to Trump’s desire to incorporate the country into the U.S., told Trump earlier this month that Canada “will never be for sale.”

Canada’s sovereign, , addressed the Canadian Parliament on Tuesday, seemingly rejecting Trump’s proposal to purchase the country and make it the 51st U.S. state.

“Canadians can give themselves far more than any foreign power on any continent can ever take away,” he stated. “And by staying true to Canadian values, Canada can build new alliances and a new economy that serves all Canadians.”

Regarding the “Golden Dome,” Trump announced last week that the U.S. had finalized the architecture for the missile defense system. This system would involve a network of satellites designed to detect, track, and potentially intercept incoming ballistic missiles.

The U.S. president estimated the project’s cost at $175 billion and anticipated it being “fully operational” within three years. He also mentioned that Canada would be included in its protective umbrella.

“Canada has contacted us, expressing their desire to participate. We will be in discussions with them, as they also seek protection,” Trump stated at the time.

Carney’s office confirmed last week that “active discussions” were ongoing between the U.S. and Canada regarding current and new security programs, including the “Golden Dome.”

“Canadians gave the prime minister a strong mandate to negotiate a comprehensive new security and economic relationship with the United States,” a spokesperson for Carney told BBC News.

“To that end, the prime minister and his ministers are having wide-ranging and constructive discussions with their American counterparts. These discussions naturally include strengthening [North American Aerospace Defense Command] and related initiatives such as the Golden Dome,” the spokesperson added.

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