Trump slams Canada for opposing 'Golden Dome' system over Greenland: ‘China will eat them up’

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump criticized Canada, claiming the country blocked his ideas for a large-scale missile defense network linked to Greenland. He argued that the plan would have strengthened regional security, including Canada.

Trump accused Ottawa of dismissing the proposed “Golden Dome” defense framework. He warned that, with closer engagement, Beijing could “eat them up” within a year, as the northern neighbour chooses closer ties with China.

The comments came after Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Beijing to improve trade ties. China is Canada’s second-biggest trading partner, after the US.

Trump accuses Canada of rejecting US‑led Greenland defence initiative 

Trump renewed his attack on Canada, criticizing the nation for turning down his Golden Dome missile defense initiative tied to Greenland.

Taking to Truth Social to share his view on Friday, January 23, the Republican leader wrote, “Canada is against The Golden Dome being built over Greenland, even though The Golden Dome would protect Canada. Instead, they voted in favor of doing business with China, who will ‘eat them up’ within the first year!”

The remarks came after Carney visited Beijing to boost economic cooperation with China. The trip led to a deal lowering tariffs on select Canadian agricultural exports and setting limits on Chinese electric vehicles.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump explained that the missile defense system would also help protect Canada. “We’re building a Golden Dome that’s going to, just by its very nature, be defending Canada,” Trump told attendees. “Canada gets a lot of freebies from us, by the way. They should be grateful also.”

Canada has previously criticized the plan. Canadian UN Ambassador Bob Rae compared Trump’s "Golden Dome" idea to a “protection racket" as per Newsmax. 

For those who don’t know, the Golden Dome project is a US-managed missile defense system that will use space sensors and interceptors. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC that Greenland is important for the plan and that Canada was invited to join “if they want to pay their share.”

Canada and China reach a new trade agreement

Carney announced a new trade deal with China aimed at creating more opportunities for Canadian businesses and workers. 

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Canadian prime minister said, "The Canada-China relationship has created prosperity and opportunities on both sides of the Pacific. Today, we’re forging a new strategic partnership. It builds on the best of our past and reflects the world as it is today - to the benefit of both of our peoples."

The PM's Office said the deal is part of Canada’s effort to strengthen its economy and diversify trade partnerships. “In a more divided and uncertain world, Canada is building a stronger, more independent, and more resilient economy… As the world's second-largest economy, China presents enormous opportunities for Canada in this mission,” as per CBC News.

Under this agreement, Canada will remove its 100 percent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles; on the other hand, China will lower tariffs on Canadian farm products. Chinese electric vehicle exports to 

Canada will begin at 49,000 per year and increase to 70,000 over five years. At the same time, the tariff on Canada’s canola seed exports will fall from 84 percent to about 15 percent, CBS News reported.