President Donald Trump on Tuesday claimed he finally found a way to get Canada to “consider” becoming a U.S. state.
But not many people are buying it.
The president wrote on his Truth Social website that Canada “very much” wants to be part of his proposed “Golden Dome” missile defense system.
He said it would cost Canada $61 billion to join ― but that it would be free if they were to become a U.S. state.
“They are considering the offer!” he insisted:
Canadian officials have not yet publicly responded, but they have been very clear about not joining the United States.
“There are some places that are never for sale,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told Trump earlier this month. “Having met with the owners of Canada over the course of the campaign the last several months, it’s not for sale. It won’t be for sale ever.”
About 80% of Canadians said they were “strongly opposed” to becoming a U.S. state in a recent poll.
But Trump, who has angered Canadians with his rhetoric, now finds himself in an unexpected position: He needs at least some cooperation from the country to make his “Golden Dome” plan a reality.
Politico reported last week that Canada would need to allow radar and airspace access for the U.S. military to be able to track and respond to potential missiles coming from China or Russia via the polar region.
Carney said last week his country was discussing some form of cooperation.
“We are conscious that we have an ability, if we so choose, to complete the Golden Dome with investments and partnership,” he said, according to the BBC. “But I’m not sure one negotiates on this. These are military decisions. And we will evaluate it accordingly.”
Carney is actively looking to decrease Canada’s reliance on the U.S. for its security and is currently working on a plan for increased defense cooperation with the European Union instead.
“Seventy-five cents of every dollar of capital spending for defense goes to the United States,” he told the CBC. “That’s not smart.”
Trump’s critics mocked his latest attempt to appeal to the nation: