Washington – Former U.S. President Donald Trump stirred fresh controversy after suggesting that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States if it wants to continue benefiting from American security and economic protection “for free.”
Speaking at a campaign rally in Ohio, Trump criticized what he called Canada’s overreliance on the U.S. for defense and trade advantages without “paying their fair share.” Referring to America’s global defense umbrella, he said, “If Canada wants to be part of the Golden Dome for free, maybe they should just become our 51st state. That would solve a lot of problems very quickly.”
The remark immediately drew strong reactions on both sides of the border. Canadian officials dismissed the statement, calling it “absurd and unserious,” while political commentators in the U.S. interpreted it as a mix of campaign bluster and Trump’s long-standing views on allies contributing more to collective security.
Trump has frequently argued that U.S. allies, including NATO members, benefit from American protection without adequate contributions. By invoking the “Golden Dome” metaphor, he was referring to the strategic and military shield the U.S. provides through its defense networks.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did not respond directly to Trump’s comment but emphasized Canada’s sovereignty during a press briefing in Ottawa. “Canada is proud of its independence and our strong partnership with the United States is built on respect, not annexation,” he said. Opposition leaders also condemned the remarks, with some calling them “provocative election rhetoric” meant to fire up Trump’s base rather than signal any serious policy stance.
Political analysts noted that Trump’s comments come at a sensitive time in U.S.–Canada relations, with tensions already rising over trade, border security, and recent Canadian foreign policy moves such as recognizing Palestinian statehood.
While Trump’s statement was likely intended to energize supporters and criticize perceived freeloading by allies, it has added another layer of unpredictability to the diplomatic relationship between the two neighbors. For many Canadians, the comment was a reminder of the sharp contrasts in political tone between Ottawa and Trump-era Washington.