In a bizarre and concerning speech, US President Donald Trump announced that he plans to annex Greenland, a move that has long been a subject of speculation. However, what's even more astonishing is that he also implied that the United States may try to take over Iceland.
During his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump told European leaders that "Until the last few days when I told them about Iceland, they loved me." He then claimed that the US needs a piece of ice to play a vital role in world peace and protection. In reality, there's no concrete evidence that suggests such an ice mass exists.
Trump's words were quickly met with confusion and skepticism by many experts, who pointed out that NATO has made it clear that all member states are committed to defending one another if one is attacked. Trump also stated that NATO is "not there for us on Iceland," but this assertion is difficult to take seriously given the alliance's long-standing commitment to collective defense.
It's worth noting that Trump has a history of making wild claims and assertions, often without evidence or credible backing. Last year, he even claimed that US troops had engaged in combat with members of a Venezuelan gang in Washington, D.C., which was later found to be entirely fabricated.
When asked about his plans for Greenland, Trump recently stated that "ownership is very important" and that it's what drives success. However, his fixation on the Danish territory has been widely criticized by many as an attempt to bully European leaders into acquiescing to US demands.
In reality, 85% of Greenlanders are opposed to joining the United States, according to a recent survey. This suggests that any attempts to annex the island would be deeply unpopular among its inhabitants.
The Intercept notes that Trump's actions represent a "full-on authoritarian takeover" of the US government, with MAGA loyalists in charge of key institutions and Congress stripped of its power. The media landscape is also under siege as corporate outlets have cowered under pressure from Trump's rhetoric and right-wing billionaires are buying up media organizations to shape public opinion.
In this dark hour for democracy, The Intercept is fighting back, but it needs the support of readers like you. If you can help us expand our reporting capacity in 2026, please join us on this critical mission.
During his address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump told European leaders that "Until the last few days when I told them about Iceland, they loved me." He then claimed that the US needs a piece of ice to play a vital role in world peace and protection. In reality, there's no concrete evidence that suggests such an ice mass exists.
Trump's words were quickly met with confusion and skepticism by many experts, who pointed out that NATO has made it clear that all member states are committed to defending one another if one is attacked. Trump also stated that NATO is "not there for us on Iceland," but this assertion is difficult to take seriously given the alliance's long-standing commitment to collective defense.
It's worth noting that Trump has a history of making wild claims and assertions, often without evidence or credible backing. Last year, he even claimed that US troops had engaged in combat with members of a Venezuelan gang in Washington, D.C., which was later found to be entirely fabricated.
When asked about his plans for Greenland, Trump recently stated that "ownership is very important" and that it's what drives success. However, his fixation on the Danish territory has been widely criticized by many as an attempt to bully European leaders into acquiescing to US demands.
In reality, 85% of Greenlanders are opposed to joining the United States, according to a recent survey. This suggests that any attempts to annex the island would be deeply unpopular among its inhabitants.
The Intercept notes that Trump's actions represent a "full-on authoritarian takeover" of the US government, with MAGA loyalists in charge of key institutions and Congress stripped of its power. The media landscape is also under siege as corporate outlets have cowered under pressure from Trump's rhetoric and right-wing billionaires are buying up media organizations to shape public opinion.
In this dark hour for democracy, The Intercept is fighting back, but it needs the support of readers like you. If you can help us expand our reporting capacity in 2026, please join us on this critical mission.