Trump says Greenland's defense is 'two dog sleds' as he pushes for U.S. acquisition

U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. must acquire Greenland — not lease it — arguing the Arctic territory lacks defenses and warning that Russia or China would move in if Washington does not act, a move he said is critical to U.S. and NATO security, Fox News reported.

While speaking with reporters on Air Force One on Sunday night, Trump was asked about Greenland and whether the U.S. had made an offer to acquire the territory from Denmark.

"I haven’t done that. Greenland should make the deal because Greenland does not want to see Russia or China take over," Fox News quoted Trump as saying. "Basically, their defense is two dog sleds. You know that? You know what their defense is? Two dog sleds.

"In the meantime, you have Russian destroyers and submarines, and China destroyers and submarines all over the place," Trump continued. "We’re not going to let that happen, and if it affects NATO, then it affects NATO. But, you know, they need us more than we need them, I will tell you that right now."

"If we don’t do it, Russia or China will, and that’s not going to happen when I'm president," Trump said.

The remarks followed renewed pushback from Greenland’s leadership, which rejected calls from Trump and members of his administration for the U.S. to take control of the island, Fox News reported.