Donald Trump addressed global leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where a series of remarks sparked widespread attention. The president appeared to confuse Greenland and Iceland multiple times while discussing U.S. foreign policy and NATO relations.
Donald Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland
At the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 21, 2026, President Donald Trump repeatedly referred to Greenland as “Iceland” during his speech. He made the error four times, including when discussing NATO, stock markets, and U.S. territorial interests.
In one instance, Trump said, “I’m helping NATO, and until the last few days, when I told them about Iceland, they loved me,” while referring to Greenland. He later added, “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.”
Trump has long expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, a self-governing territory of the Kingdom of Denmark rich in oil and minerals. On January 9, 2026, he stated, “We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not, because if we don’t do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland.”
During the Davos speech, Trump defended the proposed acquisition by describing Greenland as “a piece of ice, cold and poorly located, that can play a vital role in world peace and world protection.” He also said, “You can say yes, and we will be very appreciative, or you can say no, and we will remember a strong and secure America means a strong NATO.”
Greenland is about 20 times larger than Iceland. Both territories are part of NATO.
Following the speech, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt denied the mix-up, replying to a reporter, “No he didn’t… You’re the only one mixing anything up here.”
A White House statement added, “President Trump delivered a historic speech in Davos laying out America’s compelling national security interests involving Greenland… President Trump continues to deliver results while the failing, liberal media melts down.”
