Iceland summoned the U.S. ambassador to Reykjavik on September 8, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump posted an uncaptioned map on Truth Social depicting Iceland, Greenland, Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean covered by the American flag and labeled as the “United States of America.”
The Icelandic Foreign Ministry stated that Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Gunnarsdottir called in U.S. Ambassador Billy Long to convey that the image was “completely inappropriate.” The ministry did not specify further actions but emphasized the government’s strong disapproval of the post.
Trump’s post and Iceland’s response
The map, shared on September 7, showed the entire landmass of North and Central America, including Iceland, colored with the U.S. flag. The image was posted without explanation or caption. Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir described the post as “an insult to Icelanders” and emphasized that sovereignty cannot be taken for granted. She stated that Iceland would continue to stand with Greenland and would not soften its position on the matter.
Iceland is a founding member of NATO and has relied on a U.S. defense agreement since 1951, but maintains full sovereignty. Frostadottir reiterated that no other country can decide Iceland’s independence and that sovereignty is determined domestically.
Diplomatic context and ambassador’s prior remarks
Ambassador Long, who assumed his post in August 2026, had previously joked in January about Iceland becoming the 52nd U.S. state, a remark he later called “totally inappropriate.” During his Senate confirmation hearing in February, he acknowledged the joke was a mistake but expressed hope for a fresh start in his diplomatic role.
The Icelandic government’s response reflects broader concerns about U.S. respect for sovereignty, particularly in the Arctic region. Frostadottir noted that while some U.S. officials have advised not to take the current president “literally,” Iceland is choosing to take the post “seriously.”
International reactions and historical parallels
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called the post “disturbing and inappropriate,” referencing past U.S. interest in Greenland. The map has drawn comparisons to earlier U.S. statements about Greenland, including Trump’s 2019 remarks suggesting the U.S. could purchase the territory.
Icelandic officials have not indicated plans to escalate the matter beyond the ambassadorial meeting. The incident underscores ongoing diplomatic sensitivities regarding Arctic sovereignty and U.S. foreign policy rhetoric under the current administration.