Washington: US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised Canada for opposing his proposed “Golden Dome” missile defence project over Greenland, accusing Ottawa of choosing closer economic ties with China over US-backed security arrangements.
In a post on his social media platform Truth Social on Friday, Trump claimed that Canada’s stance undermines its own security interests. He said the Golden Dome system would have protected Canada, but alleged that the country instead opted to deepen business relations with China. Trump warned that Beijing could “eat them up within the first year” if Canada continues on its current path.
Trump’s remarks come amid rising diplomatic friction between Washington and Ottawa, following comments made by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier this week. During his address at the forum, Carney spoke of an era marked by great power rivalry and the erosion of the rules-based international order, while criticising the use of economic coercion—remarks widely seen as a veiled reference to US trade and security policies.
Speaking at the WEF summit on Wednesday, Trump took aim at Carney, stating that Canada benefits significantly from US support, particularly in matters of security. He said Canada should be more appreciative of what he described as “freebies” provided by the United States, including defence protections. Trump asserted that the Golden Dome missile defence system would also enhance Canada’s security.
Trump further claimed that Canada’s survival depends heavily on US backing and urged the Canadian leadership to acknowledge Washington’s strategic role.
The latest exchange follows Canada’s recent move to strengthen trade relations with China. On January 17, Prime Minister Carney announced a new trade agreement with Beijing, saying it would open more than $7 billion in export markets for Canadian businesses and workers. In a statement, the Canadian Prime Minister’s Office said the agreement reflects Canada’s efforts to diversify trade partnerships and build a more resilient economy in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
Under the agreement, Canada has reportedly agreed to reduce its 100 per cent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles in exchange for lower Chinese tariffs on Canadian agricultural products. China is expected to cut tariffs on Canadian canola seeds from 84 per cent to about 15 per cent. An annual cap will also be placed on Chinese electric vehicle exports to Canada, starting at 49,000 units and rising gradually over five years.
Carney has said China has emerged as a more predictable trading partner compared to the United States. His remarks come as Canada faces multiple US trade levies, including a 35 per cent duty on goods, a 50 per cent tariff on imported metals, and a 25 per cent levy on non-US automobiles.
Meanwhile, tensions between Washington and Beijing have eased slightly following a meeting between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. While both sides had earlier threatened tariffs of up to 100 per cent, exemptions have since been granted on a portion of Chinese products until November 10, 2026.
