Trump claims Canada 'considering' offer of free Golden Dome in exchange for becoming 51st state. 
President Donald Trump purported on Tuesday that Canada was "considering" giving up its statehood in exchange for protection by the proposed "Golden Dome" missile defense system at no cost, despite Canadian officials repeatedly stating that the country is not for sale.
"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 Truth Social.
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney, who achieved an electoral victory last month partly due to the Canadian public's resistance to Trump's desire to incorporate the nation into the U.S., informed Trump earlier this month that his country "will never be for sale.ass2"
King Charles III, acknowledged as Canada's sovereign, delivered a speech to the Canadian Parliament on Tuesday, seemingly dismissing Trump's proposal to buy the North American nation and transform it into the 51st state of the U.S.
"Canadians can provide for themselves far more than any foreign entity on any continent could ever take away," he stated. "By remaining faithful to Canadian values, Canada can forge new alliances and develop a new economy that benefits all Canadians."
Regarding the "Golden Dome," Trump revealed last week that the U.S. had officially chosen the design for the missile defense system intended to establish a network of satellites capable of detecting, tracking, and potentially intercepting incoming ballistic missiles.
The U.S. president indicated that the project would require an investment of $175 billion to construct and is anticipated to be "fully operational" within three years.
He also mentioned that Canada would be part of its protective measures.
"Canada has reached out to us, expressing their desire to be involved. We will be in discussions with them; they also seek protection," Trump remarked at that time.
Carney’s office stated last week that there were "active discussions" occurring between the U.S. and Canada regarding existing and new security initiatives, including the "Golden Dome.
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"Canadians have granted the prime minister a robust mandate to pursue a comprehensive new security and economic partnership with the United States," a spokesperson for Carney informed BBC News.
"In this regard, the prime minister and his ministers are engaging in extensive and constructive dialogues with their American counterparts. These discussions naturally encompass the enhancement of [North American Aerospace Defense Command] and related projects such as the Golden Dome," the spokesperson added.