NBC: Trump intensifies focus on Arctic, eyes Canada’s northern border

US President Donald Trump has expressed increasing concern over Canada’s ability to defend its Arctic territory against potential threats from Russia and China, US officials said. 

Trump has privately urged aides to consider acquiring additional icebreakers and enhancing military cooperation with Canada to secure the region, NBC reports.

The president’s focus on Canada comes as part of a broader strategy to strengthen US influence in the Western Hemisphere. Earlier actions this year included using military pressure in Venezuela, threatening Cuba, and signaling plans to acquire Greenland, all aimed at expanding US power in the region.

Despite Trump’s private worries, officials emphasized that there are no plans to station US troops along Canada’s northern border, and unlike Greenland, the president is not pursuing ownership or military seizure.

Discussions between US and Canadian officials are reportedly underway on ways to increase Arctic cooperation, including joint military exercises, enhanced air and naval patrols, and updates to Canada’s early warning systems.

These talks are being coordinated through a Pentagon Arctic working group, which has highlighted Canada’s northern vulnerability as a key regional concern.

Trump has a long history of criticizing Canada, previously threatening economic measures and trade actions, though public tensions have recently eased.

Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Carney visited Beijing last week to strengthen ties with China amid ongoing US-Canada tensions.

By Jeyhun Aghazada