Trump map showing Greenland, Iceland as U.S. territory sparks backlash
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday sparked diplomatic backlash across the North Atlantic after posting a map on social media depicting the United States stretching across North America and including Greenland and Iceland under the American flag.
Trump shared the image on Truth Social during the Labor Day weekend without providing an explanation. The map showed Canada, Greenland and Iceland, among other areas, covered in the red, white and blue colors of the U.S. flag.
The post revived concerns over Trump’s previous calls for Canada to become the 51st U.S. state and his repeated interest in taking control of Greenland, the self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen described the post as “disturbing” and “completely inappropriate,” saying it suggested Trump continued to hold a “maximalist vision” regarding U.S. territorial ambitions.
Iceland also reacted strongly, summoning U.S. Ambassador Billy Long to express its objections. Icelandic Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Katrín Gunnarsdóttir said the post was unacceptable, according to reports.
The controversy comes amid heightened tensions over Greenland, where Trump’s repeated statements about U.S. control of the Arctic territory have unsettled Denmark and other European allies.
The European Union on Monday sought to reinforce its partnership with Greenland, announcing a 200 million euro investment package during a visit by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Trump has also strained relations with Canada through repeated remarks about annexation and disputes over trade.
The latest map has intensified concerns among Washington’s North Atlantic allies over Trump’s rhetoric and its potential impact on relations between the United States, European partners and NATO members.