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4d ago

Rubio Confirms Trump Mixed Up Iceland and Greenland at Davos

The acknowledgment undercuts the White House’s denial, exposing a split in the administration’s messaging.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio testifies before a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing titled "U.S. Policy Towards Venezuela" on Capitol Hill on January 28, 2026.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump saying Iceland instead of Greenland at Davos was a "verbal stumble" during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on January 28, 2026 before alluding to President Joe Biden's own gaffes.

Overview

  • Testifying on Jan. 28, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Sen. Tim Kaine that the president "meant to say Greenland."
  • White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt had insisted no mistake occurred, citing written remarks that referred to Greenland as a "piece of ice."
  • In his Davos address, the president repeatedly referenced Iceland, blaming it for a market dip and criticizing NATO allies for not backing the U.S. on the issue.
  • Rubio played down the error as a routine verbal stumble and suggested other presidents have made more frequent slips.
  • The clarification drew attention because Greenland, a Danish territory, carries strategic Arctic importance that has strained ties with Denmark and NATO partners.