Trump Threatens Denmark Over Greenland Security as China and Russia Plot Arctic Expansion

By Sandy Fitzgerald | Wednesday, 14 January 2026 10:29 AM EST

President Donald Trump warned Denmark early Wednesday that “two dogsleds” won’t be enough to protect its semiautonomous island territory against aggression from China and Russia.

In a post on his Truth Social page, Trump declared: “NATO: Tell Denmark to get them out of here, NOW! Two dogsleds won’t do it! Only the USA can!!!” He cited Danish intelligence warnings that Russian and Chinese military forces have targeted Greenland and the Arctic.

The warning followed a report that while Danish politicians have downplayed threats from Russia and China, Danish intelligence in December detailed concerns about Chinese military activities in the region. Denmark’s “Intelligence Outlook 2025” specifically noted that China is preparing for a military presence in the Arctic, with long-term interests including Greenland.

The report highlighted increased collaboration between Chinese and Russian militaries in the Arctic, describing a growing “DragonBear” alliance between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. It also stated that Russia uses every available tool to monitor waters near Greenland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and the United Kingdom as part of preparations for potential confrontation with NATO, deploying ships, submarines, and aircraft in proximity to Greenland.

Trump asserted that the United States needs Greenland to protect national security, claiming the territory is “covered” by Russian and Chinese naval assets. He urged NATO to assist the U.S. in acquiring Greenland ahead of talks between Vice President JD Vance and Danish and Greenlandic officials.

Danish foreign policy and defense officials labeled Trump’s claims “delusional,” while China denied his assertions. U.S. intelligence reports have similarly highlighted strategic interests by both Russia and China in Greenland, with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence noting these concerns in its 2025 annual threat assessment. The Pentagon’s Arctic Strategy, released during former President Joe Biden’s administration, also warned about Russian and Chinese activities related to Greenland.