In a move that has sparked international headlines and online buzz, President Donald Trump claimed over the weekend that Canada is “seriously considering” an unusual offer from the United States: a free Golden Dome in exchange for joining the union as the 51st state.
Speaking at a rally in Dayton, Ohio, on Saturday, Trump said, “I’ve spoken to some very important people — top people — and they’ve told me Canada is thinking about it.
We said, ‘We’ll give you a beautiful Golden Dome — absolutely stunning — if you join us as the 51st state.’ And they’re actually looking at it. Can you believe that?”
The crowd erupted in applause and laughter, though it’s unclear whether the remark was made in jest or as part of a larger political strategy.
Fox News reported that the comments drew immediate attention from both sides of the border. Canadian officials have not issued a formal response, though several political commentators in Ottawa dismissed the statement as “absurd” and “pure theater.”
According to Fox News, Trump doubled down on his comments later in the evening during an interview on Truth Social, suggesting the offer of the Golden Dome — a symbolic reference to wealth, power, and American greatness — could “strengthen ties” and bring “unparalleled prosperity to our neighbors in the north.”
“We love Canada, they’ve been great, but it’s time they join the winning team — officially,” Trump said. “And the dome — it’ll be the most luxurious dome you’ve ever seen. Gold, marble, maybe some eagles.”
Political analysts were quick to point out the logistical and constitutional hurdles that would make such an arrangement virtually impossible.
As of now, Canada remains a sovereign nation with its own parliamentary system, and there has been no indication from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office that any discussions of statehood are underway.
Still, Trump’s statement — whether serious or satirical — has once again drawn attention to his unorthodox diplomatic rhetoric and his ability to dominate news cycles with provocative claims.
