President Donald Trump appeared to mix up Iceland and Greenland multiple times during remarks at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland on Wednesday, repeatedly referencing “Iceland” while seemingly talking about Greenland.
“They’re not there for us on Iceland, that I can tell you. I mean, our stock market took the first dip yesterday because of Iceland. So Iceland’s already cost us a lot of money,” Trump said.
Afterward, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt attempted to clarify the comments, saying Trump was referring to Greenland as a piece of ice and sharing a screenshot from Google of a Greenland search showing an iceberg.
Why It Matters
Trump has repeatedly demanded that Denmark hand over the island territory to the United States and has previously declined to rule out using military force to take control of it if necessary. In his Davos speech, however, Trump said, “I won’t use force.”
The president continues to face backlash and concern from other world leaders—particularly in Europe—amid worries that his foreign policy goals could strain NATO.
What Trump Said in Davos
The president referenced “Iceland” when seemingly meaning Greenland at least four times, according to critics tracking the remarks.
Along with linking market turbulence to “Iceland,” Trump also complained about NATO’s balance of commitments—arguing that the U.S. would always show up for the alliance, while he believed NATO would not do the same for the U.S.
“Until the last few days when I told them about Iceland, they loved me, they called me ‘daddy’ last time,” Trump said, referring to a June 2024 NATO summit at which Secretary-General Mark Rutte called Trump “daddy.”
“A very smart man said, ‘He’s our daddy. He’s running it.’ I went from running it to being a terrible human being.”
The mix-up was quickly seized on by critics online. Shannon Watts, a bestselling author, transcribed part of Trump’s remarks with added commentary on X, adding: “WTAF…”
Why Trump Wants Greenland
Trump has argued since his first term that the U.S. should take control of Greenland, describing the Arctic island as vital to U.S. national security.
Part of the rationale centers on strategic competition in the region, including Russian and Chinese activity in waters around Greenland. The territory is also rich in natural resources.
Greenland, a semiautonomous Danish territory, already hosts U.S. military bases. But Trump has said Denmark should hand over full control—and recent statements from Trump and other White House officials have continued to push the idea that Greenland should become part of the U.S., despite opposition from Americans and Greenlanders alike.
Was He Really Talking About Iceland?
Most reactions to Trump’s repeated Iceland references assumed he had simply confused the country with Greenland, with no indication he intended to target Iceland as well. Others suggested the comments were deliberate, arguing they signaled a broader escalation in U.S. foreign policy rhetoric.
The remarks were one portion of a larger speech in which Trump also touted his record during the first year of his second term, claiming a booming economy and success in Venezuela following military action there.
What People Are Saying
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, responding to a NewsNation reporter on X: “His written remarks referred to Greenland as a ‘piece of ice’ because that’s what it is. You’re the only one mixing anything up here.”
Rory Stewart, former United Kingdom Minister of State for Prisons, Parole and Probation, on X: “How can Trump be so obsessed with Greenland – but still be unable to remember its name. Who knows what sub-conscious ideas are bubbling in his mind about Iceland.”
Chris Jackson, 2020 Democratic National Committee’s Platform Committee member, on X: “Trump just spent part of his Davos speech repeatedly calling Greenland ‘Iceland.’ Where’s Jake Tapper and the rest of the media meltdown crew? Any time Biden misspoke, they treated it like a five-alarm crisis. Funny how that standard disappears when it’s Trump.”
House Democratic Party Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, on X: “Donald Trump is overseas embarrassing America on the world stage. Again.”
What Happens Next
Trump has called for immediate negotiations on Greenland’s future. The World Economic Forum continues through Friday.
