Trump says Greenland's defense is 'two dog sleds' as he pushes for US acquisition of territory
President Trump argued the U.S. must acquire Greenland to prevent Russia or China from taking over, claiming Arctic territory has minimal defenses amid rising geopolitical tensions.
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President Donald Trump said the U.S. must acquire Greenland — not lease it — arguing the Arctic territory lacks defenses and warning that Russia or China would move in if Washington does not act, a move he said is critical to U.S. and NATO security.
While speaking with reporters on Air Force One on Sunday night, Trump was asked about Greenland and whether the U.S. had made an offer to acquire the territory from Denmark.
"I haven’t done that. Greenland should make the deal because Greenland does not want to see Russia or China take over," he said. "Basically, their defense is two dog sleds. You know that? You know what their defense is? Two dog sleds.
"In the meantime, you have Russian destroyers and submarines, and China destroyers and submarines all over the place," Trump continued. "We’re not going to let that happen, and if it affects NATO, then it affects NATO. But, you know, they need us more than we need them, I will tell you that right now."
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President Donald Trump said the U.S. must acquire Greenland and not lease it, warning Russia or China would move in and threaten US and NATO security. (Pool)
The president was also clear that his administration is not talking about leasing Greenland short term, but only about acquiring the Danish territory.
"If we don’t do it, Russia or China will, and that’s not going to happen when I'm president," Trump said.
The remarks followed renewed pushback from Greenland’s leadership, which rejected calls from Trump and members of his administration for the U.S. to take control of the island.
Ice covers the water in the harbor in Ilulissat, Greenland, on March 8, 2025. (Joe Raedle/Getty)
