President Donald Trump argued on Wednesday morning that Greenland is “vital” for his plans to build a “Golden Dome” of defense to protect the United States as he ramps up his push for the United States to acquire the territory.

Trump also said that NATO would benefit from the United States controlling Greenland, arguing it would keep Russia and China at bay. The president made his early morning comments on Greenland as Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepare to meet with Denmark’s and Greenland’s foreign ministers at the White House on Wednesday to discuss the Trump administration’s efforts to acquire the large territory. Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with control over most domestic affairs, while Denmark has authority over foreign policy and defense.

“The United States needs Greenland for the purpose of National Security. It is vital for the Golden Dome that we are building. NATO should be leading the way for us to get it. IF WE DON’T, RUSSIA OR CHINA WILL, AND THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!” Trump wrote.

“Militarily, without the vast power of the United States, much of which I built during my first term, and am now bringing to a new and even higher level, NATO would not be an effective force or deterrent — Not even close! They know that, and so do I,” Trump added. “NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES. Anything less than that is unacceptable. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Trump’s “Golden Dome for America” would set up a missile defense system encircling the United States, a much larger version of  Israel’s “Iron Dome.” The president hopes to complete the $175 billion defense project by the end of his term. Trump said the “Golden Dome” would complete the “Star Wars” defense plan conceived by former President Ronald Reagan. The first $25 billion for the plan was appropriated under Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill.”

“Once fully constructed, the golden dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world, and even if they are launched from space, and we will have the best system ever built,” Trump said in May.

In the past month, Trump has focused much of his attention on acquiring Greenland, an idea he floated a few times last year. On December 21, Trump appointed Louisiana Republican Governor Jeff Landry to serve as special envoy to Greenland, saying that Landry “understands how essential Greenland is to our National Security, and will strongly advance our Country’s Interests for the Safety, Security, and Survival of our Allies, and indeed, the World.”

Trump told reporters at the White House last week that the United States would “do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not.” He said the United States would take control of Greenland the “easy way” — by making a deal — or the “hard way,” which he didn’t elaborate on. The White House has not ruled out using military force to achieve its goals with Greenland.

On Sunday, the president again stressed the importance of the United States taking control of Greenland, adding that he was “not going to let” Russia or China invade the territory. Trump said he “would love” to make a deal with Denmark, which oversees Greenland, to acquire the territory. Leaders in Denmark and Greenland, however, have opposed Trump’s push to take control of Greenland.

President Donald Trump calls off all meetings with the Islamic regime — suggesting he may come to the aid of Iranian protestors, inflation holds steady as the administration touts an affordability push, and Congress tosses around a funding package to keep the lights on until October.

It’s Wednesday, January 14, 2026, and this is the news you need to know to start your day. Today’s edition of the Morning Wire podcast can be heard below:

Trump Puts Iran On Notice

President Trump put Tehran on notice on Tuesday, cutting off discussions with Iranian leaders and telling protesters: “Help is on its way.” Trump posted on Truth Social on Tuesday that “the killers and abusers” in Iran “will pay a big price.” He urged protesters to continue their resistance and to take over institutions. The president also recommended that any Americans in Iran leave as soon as possible. Meanwhile, deaths during the protests appear to have surged past other recent instances of mass demonstrations in Iran. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency estimates that more than 2,000 people have been killed. The Saudi-funded outlet Iran International estimates a much higher death toll at around 12,000. Thousands more have been arrested. Reports say that 26-year-old Erfan Soltani is expected to be hanged on Wednesday after the government found him guilty of “waging war on God.”

Labor Department Report Shows Inflation Cooling

The latest Labor Department report released Tuesday showed that inflation continues to cool, once again defying expert predictions. The department released its highly anticipated CPI report for December, which showed inflation at 2.7% – tied for the lowest since March 2021. The pace of inflation has fallen dramatically since the 9% peak in 2021. Across former President Joe Biden’s four years in office, the average number was about 5%. The report surprised experts, who had projected a slightly higher number. EJ Antoni, chief economist at The Heritage Foundation, said the report likely understates the cooling, as the indicators used by the Labor Department lag behind reality.

Rep. Brad Finstad Talks Congress’s Latest Funding Package

The House is set to take up a two-bill funding package this week, after the Senate advanced it, as the government faces an end-of-month shutdown deadline. The bipartisan legislation would fully fund agencies like the State and Treasury departments, the IRS, and the federal courts through October, but it currently omits funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Minnesota GOP Rep. Brad Finstad told Morning Wire that one of the priorities of the bills is to “get some fiscal sanity back in our country.” The current version includes a 16% reduction in spending. “It’s an opportunity for us to kind of right-size government,” said Finstad. The package also aims to curb fraud by defunding some USAID programs and increasing reporting standards.