U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that it would cost Canada $61 billion to be part of his proposed "Golden Dome" missile defense system, but that it would be free if the country became the 51st U.S. state.

"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 said in a post on Truth.social, claiming that Canada was "considering the offer."

Trump's comment comes after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney last week expressed some interest in investing in the Golden Dome project, which is slated to cost about $175 billion.

Trump's comments on Canada's sovereignty are the latest in the president's claims that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state- a claim that has been categorically rejected by Canada.

A spokesperson for Carney reiterated the country's sovereignty, according to a comment carried by the Financial Times.

Canada and the U.S. already have a defense agreement– the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), which includes measures to detect ballistic missile attacks.

Trump's proposed Golden Dome system plans to establish interceptors in space to protect the U.S. against advanced threats such as intercontinental ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles, and long-range cruise missiles.

Trump has vowed to complete the project by the end of his term.

Source: Investing.com