Trump eyes Canada Arctic defenses for cooperation boost

Monday 19 January 2026 - 10:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Trump eyes Canada Arctic defenses for cooperation boost

President Donald Trump has sharpened focus on perceived gaps in Canada's Arctic defenses, voicing private concerns to advisors over recent weeks about vulnerabilities to Russian and Chinese threats along its northern border, NBC News reports. This renewed scrutiny hits as the Trump administration presses an aggressive Arctic strategy centered on acquiring Greenland—a bid that sparked a trade spat with European allies deploying troops there this week for Operation Arctic Endurance.

U.S. officials told NBC News no talks involve American troops along Canada's northern frontier, but both nations discuss deepening Arctic military ties. Topics include upgrading Canadian early-warning systems against foes, ramping up joint training and operations, expanding shared air and sea patrols, and increasing U.S. naval presence. Unlike his Greenland push, Trump shows no interest in buying or using force against Canada. "Very unlikely," he said in a prior interview when asked about military action there.

"Ultimately, it's about keeping Russia and China from gaining more Arctic foothold," one senior administration official told NBC News. "Canada stands to benefit if the U.S. owns Greenland."

Trump has repeatedly slammed Canada's defense spending as inadequate, insisting it lacks gear to counter Arctic dangers. "They definitely need to beef up Arctic capabilities," an official said, calling current setups "insufficient." Canada hit NATO's 2% GDP defense target in 2025 under Prime Minister Mark Carney, who pledges 5% by 2035. Ottawa committed billions to Arctic radars, over-the-horizon sensors, and drones for surveillance.

Carney, the first Canadian PM to visit China since 2017, met President Xi Jinping in Beijing last week to discuss Greenland sovereignty and Arctic security. "I found great alignment on this," Carney said, noting Canada's view that Denmark's semi-autonomous territory should chart its own path. He reaffirmed NATO pledges: "Our full partnership endures, our Article 5 and Article 2 obligations stand firm."

Canada plans a consulate in Greenland's capital Nuuk next month. Trump reacted positively to Carney's China trade talks, calling them "a good thing" and urging continuation. Administration sources say public tensions between the neighbors should ease if discussions stay constructive.