Missile defense spending just hit a new level of absurd. You're being told a shield will protect North America from nuclear attack. The current system? Fifty percent success rate in scripted tests where defenders know exactly when and where the missile is coming. Oh, and it only works in daytime. You're essentially watching your government consider paying for a system that fails half the time under perfect conditions and goes blind after sunset.

Trump wants $61 billion from Canada for Golden Dome or he threatens annexation. The math is backwards. Noakes points out you could pay Trump, Xi, and Putin a billion dollars each per year for the rest of their lives to not fire missiles and still spend less. The program offers zero civilian technology spinoffs unlike past defense projects. The physics haven't changed since the 1980s when Reagan bought into laser fantasies from defense contractors. Intercepting a falling warhead is like shooting a bullet with another bullet, except the bullet costs a trillion dollars and misses most of the time.

This isn't about protection. Russia spent four years and hundreds of billions in Ukraine and accomplished essentially nothing, yet somehow poses an existential missile threat worth bankrupting three superpowers to defend against. The real threat is decision-makers choosing fear-based spending over information sovereignty.

Topics: missile defense spending, Golden Dome program, Canada defense budget, Strategic Defense Initiative, Iron Dome limitations

GUEST: Taylor C Noakes | http://Taylornoakes.com

RUNDOWN: Historian Taylor C Noakes breaks down why Trump's Golden Dome missile defense system is a trillion-dollar fantasy based on 1980s Star Wars technology that never worked, and why Canada's $61 billion ransom payment makes less sense than just bribing world leaders directly.

Missile defense spending just hit a new level of absurd. You're being told a shield will protect North America from nuclear attack. The current system? Fifty percent success rate in scripted tests where defenders know exactly when and where the missile is coming. Oh, and it only works in daytime. You're essentially watching your government consider paying for a system that fails half the time under perfect conditions and goes blind after sunset.
Trump wants $61 billion from Canada for Golden Dome or he threatens annexation. The math is backwards. Noakes points out you could pay Trump, Xi, and Putin a billion dollars each per year for the rest of their lives to not fire missiles and still spend less. The program offers zero civilian technology spinoffs unlike past defense projects. The physics haven't changed since the 1980s when Reagan bought into laser fantasies from defense contractors. Intercepting a falling warhead is like shooting a bullet with another bullet, except the bullet costs a trillion dollars and misses most of the time.
This isn't about protection. Russia spent four years and hundreds of billions in Ukraine and accomplished essentially nothing, yet somehow poses an existential missile threat worth bankrupting three superpowers to defend against. The real threat is decision-makers choosing fear-based spending over information sovereignty.
Topics: missile defense spending, Golden Dome program, Canada defense budget, Strategic Defense Initiative, Iron Dome limitations
GUEST: Taylor C Noakes | <a href="http://Taylornoakes.com" data-inline-card="" data-card-data="">http://Taylornoakes.com</a>
RUNDOWN: Historian Taylor C Noakes breaks down why Trump's Golden Dome missile defense system is a trillion-dollar fantasy based on 1980s Star Wars technology that never worked, and why Canada's $61 billion ransom payment makes less sense than just bribing world leaders directly.

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.