In a bold and controversial move, U.S. President Donald Trump has raised the price tag for Canada’s inclusion in his high-profile Golden Dome missile defense initiative, now demanding a staggering US$71 billion—an increase from the previously floated US$61 billion. The announcement came during Trump’s return to Washington following his abrupt exit from the G7 Summit in Alberta, Canada. “They want to be a part of it… They’ll be in the dome,” Trump declared, referring to the Golden Dome system, which is modeled after Israel’s Iron Dome and forms a centerpiece of his security platform.
While Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has reportedly shown interest in joining the U.S.-led defense architecture, the unexpected cost escalation adds significant pressure to an already complex web of bilateral negotiations. Trump and Carney met earlier the same day in a closed-door session that also included other senior officials, discussing trade, tariffs, and defense. Although neither side has disclosed full details, both confirmed intentions to finalize a broader agreement within 30 days. However, Trump made it clear that the Golden Dome arrangement might be carved out into a separate deal, stating, “We may make a separate deal on that.”
In a move that reignited diplomatic tension, Trump once again floated the idea of Canada joining the United States as its next state, saying it would be “a much better deal for Canada” than continuing to face escalating tariffs and defense obligations. His comments come amid ongoing disputes over trade fairness and defense spending, with Trump emphasizing his preference for aggressive tariff strategies, referring to himself unapologetically as a “tariff person.”
According to sources, Prime Minister Carney presented a “more complex idea” for the trade framework, aimed at balancing long-term economic ties. But Trump dismissed the suggestion, criticizing the Canadian approach as too slow and convoluted. “They get too complex with the deals, and they never get done,” Trump told reporters. “We need speed.”
As tensions rise and costs mount, Canada now finds itself weighing a multi-billion dollar defense investment alongside growing trade friction. With only 30 days to reach a wider deal and the future of the Golden Dome participation uncertain, the coming weeks could mark a pivotal chapter in the evolution of Canada-U.S. relations—not just economically, but strategically on the global stage.