In recent weeks, President Donald Trump has privately intensified complaints about Canada’s Arctic vulnerability. The complaints prompted U.S. officials to pursue talks with Ottawa to coordinate northern border defense.
Officials say the effort aims to prevent Russia and China from expanding their Arctic presence, linking Trump’s Greenland bid to the goal of solidifying the Western Hemisphere amid Canada’s low defense spending.
Download the SAN app today to stay up-to-date with Unbiased. Straight Facts™.
Point phone camera here
Discussed options include updating Canada’s early-warning systems, expanding U.S.-Canada military training and operations, increasing joint air and water patrols and American ship patrols. Officials said no U.S. troops will be stationed on Canada’s northern border.
Canada increased defense spending this year, but its budget still fell short of NATO targets.
“The world doesn’t see Canada as a major force when it comes to defense,” a senior Trump administration official told NBC News.
As a result, the Trump administration said it’s considering adding funds for additional icebreakers to next year’s budget to increase patrols around Canadian waters.
