‘China will eat them up’: Trump attacks Canada over resistance to ‘Golden Dome’ plan linked to Greenland

What happened:
US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised Canada for opposing his proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence system, accusing Ottawa of undermining its own security while moving closer to China. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed Canada was blocking the project over Greenland despite benefiting from it, and warned that China would “eat them up” economically.

Why it matters now:
The comments add to escalating tensions between Washington and Ottawa, where defence cooperation, trade policy and sovereignty issues are increasingly colliding. Trump’s remarks come as he pushes ahead with plans for a US-led missile shield that he says is critical to North American security — and as Canada seeks to diversify its global partnerships.

What Trump said:
Trump alleged that Canada opposed the Golden Dome system even though it would “protect Canada,” and accused the country of choosing business ties with China instead. He has repeatedly argued that Canada’s security depends entirely on the United States and suggested Ottawa should be “grateful” for US protection.

Canada’s response:
Canadian ambassador to the US Kirsten Hillman rejected Trump’s claims, saying Canada is investing more than $80 billion over the next five years in defence. She stressed that Ottawa is open to cooperation on regional security, but on its own terms. Prime Minister Mark Carney has also pushed back strongly, saying “Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian.”

Background to the dispute:
The row intensified after Carney’s recent visit to Beijing — the first by a Canadian prime minister in a decade — which led to tariff reductions on some agricultural goods and discussions on Chinese investment and electric vehicle quotas. Trump initially appeared relaxed about the outreach, but later linked it to Canada’s stance on the Golden Dome.

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump claimed the missile shield would automatically extend protection to Canada and repeated his view that Ottawa relies entirely on Washington for survival. Carney responded by emphasising Canadian sovereignty and warning against coercion by major powers.

What is the Golden Dome:
The Golden Dome is a proposed US-controlled missile defence system using space-based sensors and interceptors. The Trump administration estimates its cost at around $175 billion, while the US Congressional Budget Office has warned total costs could rise significantly over two decades. Canada has been invited to participate, but US officials have said it would need to “pay its share.”

Why Greenland matters:
Trump has repeatedly described Greenland as strategically vital to US national security and central to the Golden Dome project. His renewed push over Greenland has unsettled allies, especially after he shared altered maps suggesting expanded US territorial ambitions.

What to watch next:
With Trump pressing ahead on the Golden Dome and Canada asserting its independence in defence and foreign policy, the dispute risks further straining US–Canada relations. How Ottawa balances cooperation with Washington while expanding ties with China will be closely watched by allies and rivals alike.