Srinagar, May 28 -- U.S. President Donald Trump has stirred controversy by proposing that Canada could join his $175 billion "Golden Dome" missile defense system for free-if it agrees to become the 51st state of the United States. Otherwise, Trump said, Canada would need to pay $61 billion to participate.

"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," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "But it will cost ZERO DOLLARS if they become our cherished 51st State. They are considering the offer!"

The Canadian government has not issued an official response to Trump's remarks, but Prime Minister Mark Carney firmly rejected any no...