Washington, 28 May 2025 (dpa/MIA) - US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said Canada could join the planned US protective air defence shield, known as the "Golden Dome," either by paying $61 billion or by becoming part of the United States.

"I told Canada, which very much wants to be part of our fabulous Golden Dome System, that it will cost $61 Billion Dollars if they remain a separate, but unequal, Nation, but will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State," Trump wrote on his Truth Social network.

"They are considering the offer!"

His comments came shortly after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told the CBC that he wants to sign on to a major European defence initiative by July 1, a move aimed at reducing the country's reliance on the United States for weapons and munitions.

Carney has consistently rejected Trump's moves to get Canada to become the 51st state. At a recent meeting with Trump at the Oval Office, Carney said "Canada is not for sale."

Last week, Trump unveiled more details about the $175 billion project, saying it would be operational before the end of his term in 2029 and capable of intercepting drones and missiles from anywhere in the world and even from space.

Trump launched the Golden Dome initiative shortly after taking office in January. The system is modelled after Israel's Iron Dome, but will be adapted to US conditions and integrated with existing defence infrastructure.