Trump Dismisses Greenland’s Defense as ‘Two Dog Sleds’ Amid Sovereignty Talks

On Sunday, President Donald Trump claimed that Greenland’s defense is effectively limited to “two dog sleds,” remarks he made amid discussions about the U.S. potentially taking control of the island’s sovereignty from Denmark, a NATO member.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump argued that Russia or China could seize the territory at any moment. “Greenland: basically their defense consists of two dog sleds,” he said. “Meanwhile, Russian destroyers and submarines, and Chinese destroyers and submarines are all over. We’re not going to let that happen.”

Since the 19th century, U.S. officials have argued that the Arctic island—already home to a military base—should belong to America. Trump reiterated his interest in acquiring Greenland early in his second term, citing national security concerns. In response, Copenhagen pledged to strengthen the island’s defenses, increase dog sled patrols, and supplement Greenland’s aging fleet of four ships with two Arctic patrol vessels.

Reports noted that Greenland has 12 dog sled units. The autonomous Danish territory is largely covered by ice, with settlements and infrastructure concentrated mainly along the coast. Nordic countries have dismissed Trump’s claims about Russian and Chinese threats, stating there has been no military activity in the region in recent years.

A senior European diplomat said, “It is simply not true that Chinese or Russian forces are present there. I have seen intelligence reports. There are no ships, no submarines.”

Earlier this month, the U.S. military carried out an operation in Venezuela, abducting President Nicolás Maduro. Officials in the Trump administration said the operation aimed to assert Washington’s dominance in the Western Hemisphere and counter Russian and Chinese influence in South America.