Source Reuters
DAVOS, Switzerland — U.S. President Donald Trump drew widespread attention and criticism during his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos after repeatedly confusing Greenland with Iceland while speaking about America’s Arctic strategy.
The remarks came as Trump discussed the growing strategic importance of the Arctic region, particularly Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark that has long featured in U.S. security calculations. However, his repeated references to Iceland in place of Greenland caused confusion and quickly became a talking point among diplomats, analysts, and on social media.
Despite the verbal mix-up, Trump sought to clarify Washington’s position on Greenland, stressing that the United States would not use military force to assert control over the territory. He said any future arrangement would be pursued through dialogue and cooperation, not coercion, in an apparent attempt to reassure European allies.
Greenland holds significant geopolitical value due to its location near the Arctic Circle and its untapped natural resources. Interest in the region has increased as melting ice opens new shipping routes and access to minerals, drawing the attention of major global powers.
Denmark has consistently maintained that Greenland is not for sale and that any decisions regarding its future must involve the people of Greenland themselves. European leaders echoed this position, underlining the importance of respecting sovereignty and international law.
While Trump’s Davos speech was intended to highlight U.S. leadership on global security and economic issues, the mix-up overshadowed his policy message, prompting renewed debate over Washington’s Arctic ambitions and the diplomatic sensitivity surrounding them.
