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For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
The firm is expected to bring Icelandic officials into contact with U.S. policymakers and to help policymakers navigate what emerging policies may look like, reflecting a sense of concern that U.S. rhetoric may eventually have unforeseen consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
According to a report from The Bulwark, Iceland\u2019s ambassador to the United States, Svanhildur H\u00f3lm Valsd\u00f3ttir, has hired the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent them in matters of engagement with the US government. The US Department of Justice filing disclosed this as a contracting agreement for six months at a rate of $150,000 for a monthly retainer of $25,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The firm is expected to bring Icelandic officials into contact with U.S. policymakers and to help policymakers navigate what emerging policies may look like, reflecting a sense of concern that U.S. rhetoric may eventually have unforeseen consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
According to a report from The Bulwark, Iceland\u2019s ambassador to the United States, Svanhildur H\u00f3lm Valsd\u00f3ttir, has hired the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent them in matters of engagement with the US government. The US Department of Justice filing disclosed this as a contracting agreement for six months at a rate of $150,000 for a monthly retainer of $25,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The firm is expected to bring Icelandic officials into contact with U.S. policymakers and to help policymakers navigate what emerging policies may look like, reflecting a sense of concern that U.S. rhetoric may eventually have unforeseen consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
White House Press Secretary<\/a> Karoline Leavitt denied the accusation that the former President had inaccurately called Greenland by the incorrect name of Iceland. His false attribution of the two locations does not seem to have been admitted by the administration. It makes one wonder if his foreign policy is guided by purely political considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a report from The Bulwark, Iceland\u2019s ambassador to the United States, Svanhildur H\u00f3lm Valsd\u00f3ttir, has hired the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent them in matters of engagement with the US government. The US Department of Justice filing disclosed this as a contracting agreement for six months at a rate of $150,000 for a monthly retainer of $25,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The firm is expected to bring Icelandic officials into contact with U.S. policymakers and to help policymakers navigate what emerging policies may look like, reflecting a sense of concern that U.S. rhetoric may eventually have unforeseen consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
White House Press Secretary<\/a> Karoline Leavitt denied the accusation that the former President had inaccurately called Greenland by the incorrect name of Iceland. His false attribution of the two locations does not seem to have been admitted by the administration. It makes one wonder if his foreign policy is guided by purely political considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a report from The Bulwark, Iceland\u2019s ambassador to the United States, Svanhildur H\u00f3lm Valsd\u00f3ttir, has hired the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent them in matters of engagement with the US government. The US Department of Justice filing disclosed this as a contracting agreement for six months at a rate of $150,000 for a monthly retainer of $25,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The firm is expected to bring Icelandic officials into contact with U.S. policymakers and to help policymakers navigate what emerging policies may look like, reflecting a sense of concern that U.S. rhetoric may eventually have unforeseen consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
According to the US Geological Survey, the region hosts an estimated 13 percent of the world's undiscovered oil reserves and 30 percent of the world's undiscovered natural gas. China considers itself a \u201cnear-Arctic state\u201d and has built up its infrastructure; Russia has expanded its military bases and icebreaker fleet. Against the backdrop of such strategic tensions, Trump's comments may be seen as part of a larger US national<\/a> concern about the region \u2013 with his apparent geographical errors fostering an air of uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White House Press Secretary<\/a> Karoline Leavitt denied the accusation that the former President had inaccurately called Greenland by the incorrect name of Iceland. His false attribution of the two locations does not seem to have been admitted by the administration. It makes one wonder if his foreign policy is guided by purely political considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a report from The Bulwark, Iceland\u2019s ambassador to the United States, Svanhildur H\u00f3lm Valsd\u00f3ttir, has hired the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent them in matters of engagement with the US government. The US Department of Justice filing disclosed this as a contracting agreement for six months at a rate of $150,000 for a monthly retainer of $25,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The firm is expected to bring Icelandic officials into contact with U.S. policymakers and to help policymakers navigate what emerging policies may look like, reflecting a sense of concern that U.S. rhetoric may eventually have unforeseen consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Mr. Trump has long advocated the acquisition of Greenland by the US, even before his return to the White House. He stated the acquisition was a matter of national security in the wake of increased activity by both Russia and China in the region. The region is a prime geopolitical flashpoint due to the opening up of shipping routes by the ice cap and the presence of strategic minerals such as rare earth minerals, cobalt, and nickel used in defense technology and renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the US Geological Survey, the region hosts an estimated 13 percent of the world's undiscovered oil reserves and 30 percent of the world's undiscovered natural gas. China considers itself a \u201cnear-Arctic state\u201d and has built up its infrastructure; Russia has expanded its military bases and icebreaker fleet. Against the backdrop of such strategic tensions, Trump's comments may be seen as part of a larger US national<\/a> concern about the region \u2013 with his apparent geographical errors fostering an air of uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White House Press Secretary<\/a> Karoline Leavitt denied the accusation that the former President had inaccurately called Greenland by the incorrect name of Iceland. His false attribution of the two locations does not seem to have been admitted by the administration. It makes one wonder if his foreign policy is guided by purely political considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a report from The Bulwark, Iceland\u2019s ambassador to the United States, Svanhildur H\u00f3lm Valsd\u00f3ttir, has hired the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent them in matters of engagement with the US government. The US Department of Justice filing disclosed this as a contracting agreement for six months at a rate of $150,000 for a monthly retainer of $25,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The firm is expected to bring Icelandic officials into contact with U.S. policymakers and to help policymakers navigate what emerging policies may look like, reflecting a sense of concern that U.S. rhetoric may eventually have unforeseen consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Mr. Trump has long advocated the acquisition of Greenland by the US, even before his return to the White House. He stated the acquisition was a matter of national security in the wake of increased activity by both Russia and China in the region. The region is a prime geopolitical flashpoint due to the opening up of shipping routes by the ice cap and the presence of strategic minerals such as rare earth minerals, cobalt, and nickel used in defense technology and renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the US Geological Survey, the region hosts an estimated 13 percent of the world's undiscovered oil reserves and 30 percent of the world's undiscovered natural gas. China considers itself a \u201cnear-Arctic state\u201d and has built up its infrastructure; Russia has expanded its military bases and icebreaker fleet. Against the backdrop of such strategic tensions, Trump's comments may be seen as part of a larger US national<\/a> concern about the region \u2013 with his apparent geographical errors fostering an air of uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White House Press Secretary<\/a> Karoline Leavitt denied the accusation that the former President had inaccurately called Greenland by the incorrect name of Iceland. His false attribution of the two locations does not seem to have been admitted by the administration. It makes one wonder if his foreign policy is guided by purely political considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a report from The Bulwark, Iceland\u2019s ambassador to the United States, Svanhildur H\u00f3lm Valsd\u00f3ttir, has hired the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent them in matters of engagement with the US government. The US Department of Justice filing disclosed this as a contracting agreement for six months at a rate of $150,000 for a monthly retainer of $25,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The firm is expected to bring Icelandic officials into contact with U.S. policymakers and to help policymakers navigate what emerging policies may look like, reflecting a sense of concern that U.S. rhetoric may eventually have unforeseen consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Further, it is worth noting that while Greenland is a semi-autonomy territory of Denmark with a population of around 56,000 inhabitants and significant mineral value to the Arctic region of the world, Iceland has a population of around 390,000 inhabitants and is an independent nation allied with NATO<\/a>. Such misstatement evoked complaints from European leaders who emphasized that \u201cGreenland belongs to its people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. Trump has long advocated the acquisition of Greenland by the US, even before his return to the White House. He stated the acquisition was a matter of national security in the wake of increased activity by both Russia and China in the region. The region is a prime geopolitical flashpoint due to the opening up of shipping routes by the ice cap and the presence of strategic minerals such as rare earth minerals, cobalt, and nickel used in defense technology and renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the US Geological Survey, the region hosts an estimated 13 percent of the world's undiscovered oil reserves and 30 percent of the world's undiscovered natural gas. China considers itself a \u201cnear-Arctic state\u201d and has built up its infrastructure; Russia has expanded its military bases and icebreaker fleet. Against the backdrop of such strategic tensions, Trump's comments may be seen as part of a larger US national<\/a> concern about the region \u2013 with his apparent geographical errors fostering an air of uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White House Press Secretary<\/a> Karoline Leavitt denied the accusation that the former President had inaccurately called Greenland by the incorrect name of Iceland. His false attribution of the two locations does not seem to have been admitted by the administration. It makes one wonder if his foreign policy is guided by purely political considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a report from The Bulwark, Iceland\u2019s ambassador to the United States, Svanhildur H\u00f3lm Valsd\u00f3ttir, has hired the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent them in matters of engagement with the US government. The US Department of Justice filing disclosed this as a contracting agreement for six months at a rate of $150,000 for a monthly retainer of $25,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The firm is expected to bring Icelandic officials into contact with U.S. policymakers and to help policymakers navigate what emerging policies may look like, reflecting a sense of concern that U.S. rhetoric may eventually have unforeseen consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
In the speech he made at Davos during the World Economic Forum held in January this year, Trump seemed to compare Greenland and Iceland, which are two very different places. At one point, he claimed that European nations \u201care not there for us on Iceland,\u201d which shows he mixed up two very different places during a controversy regarding Greenland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further, it is worth noting that while Greenland is a semi-autonomy territory of Denmark with a population of around 56,000 inhabitants and significant mineral value to the Arctic region of the world, Iceland has a population of around 390,000 inhabitants and is an independent nation allied with NATO<\/a>. Such misstatement evoked complaints from European leaders who emphasized that \u201cGreenland belongs to its people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. Trump has long advocated the acquisition of Greenland by the US, even before his return to the White House. He stated the acquisition was a matter of national security in the wake of increased activity by both Russia and China in the region. The region is a prime geopolitical flashpoint due to the opening up of shipping routes by the ice cap and the presence of strategic minerals such as rare earth minerals, cobalt, and nickel used in defense technology and renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the US Geological Survey, the region hosts an estimated 13 percent of the world's undiscovered oil reserves and 30 percent of the world's undiscovered natural gas. China considers itself a \u201cnear-Arctic state\u201d and has built up its infrastructure; Russia has expanded its military bases and icebreaker fleet. Against the backdrop of such strategic tensions, Trump's comments may be seen as part of a larger US national<\/a> concern about the region \u2013 with his apparent geographical errors fostering an air of uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White House Press Secretary<\/a> Karoline Leavitt denied the accusation that the former President had inaccurately called Greenland by the incorrect name of Iceland. His false attribution of the two locations does not seem to have been admitted by the administration. It makes one wonder if his foreign policy is guided by purely political considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a report from The Bulwark, Iceland\u2019s ambassador to the United States, Svanhildur H\u00f3lm Valsd\u00f3ttir, has hired the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent them in matters of engagement with the US government. The US Department of Justice filing disclosed this as a contracting agreement for six months at a rate of $150,000 for a monthly retainer of $25,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The firm is expected to bring Icelandic officials into contact with U.S. policymakers and to help policymakers navigate what emerging policies may look like, reflecting a sense of concern that U.S. rhetoric may eventually have unforeseen consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Trump was angry at the criticism and said that Canada was taking advantage of the United States.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Did a Detroit billionaire lobby Washington before Trump\u2019s bridge threat?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"did-a-detroit-billionaire-lobby-washington-before-trumps-bridge-threat","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10382","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":10370,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_date_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_content":"\n In the speech he made at Davos during the World Economic Forum held in January this year, Trump seemed to compare Greenland and Iceland, which are two very different places. At one point, he claimed that European nations \u201care not there for us on Iceland,\u201d which shows he mixed up two very different places during a controversy regarding Greenland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further, it is worth noting that while Greenland is a semi-autonomy territory of Denmark with a population of around 56,000 inhabitants and significant mineral value to the Arctic region of the world, Iceland has a population of around 390,000 inhabitants and is an independent nation allied with NATO<\/a>. Such misstatement evoked complaints from European leaders who emphasized that \u201cGreenland belongs to its people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. Trump has long advocated the acquisition of Greenland by the US, even before his return to the White House. He stated the acquisition was a matter of national security in the wake of increased activity by both Russia and China in the region. The region is a prime geopolitical flashpoint due to the opening up of shipping routes by the ice cap and the presence of strategic minerals such as rare earth minerals, cobalt, and nickel used in defense technology and renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the US Geological Survey, the region hosts an estimated 13 percent of the world's undiscovered oil reserves and 30 percent of the world's undiscovered natural gas. China considers itself a \u201cnear-Arctic state\u201d and has built up its infrastructure; Russia has expanded its military bases and icebreaker fleet. Against the backdrop of such strategic tensions, Trump's comments may be seen as part of a larger US national<\/a> concern about the region \u2013 with his apparent geographical errors fostering an air of uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White House Press Secretary<\/a> Karoline Leavitt denied the accusation that the former President had inaccurately called Greenland by the incorrect name of Iceland. His false attribution of the two locations does not seem to have been admitted by the administration. It makes one wonder if his foreign policy is guided by purely political considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a report from The Bulwark, Iceland\u2019s ambassador to the United States, Svanhildur H\u00f3lm Valsd\u00f3ttir, has hired the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent them in matters of engagement with the US government. The US Department of Justice filing disclosed this as a contracting agreement for six months at a rate of $150,000 for a monthly retainer of $25,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The firm is expected to bring Icelandic officials into contact with U.S. policymakers and to help policymakers navigate what emerging policies may look like, reflecting a sense of concern that U.S. rhetoric may eventually have unforeseen consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Trump and Carney <\/a>had a stable relationship at first, but things escalated after Carney\u2019s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Carney said that the world order led by the U.S. was going through an \u201cirreversible rupture\u201d and called for the middle powers to come together, which was seen as a criticism of Trump\u2019s leadership in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump was angry at the criticism and said that Canada was taking advantage of the United States.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Did a Detroit billionaire lobby Washington before Trump\u2019s bridge threat?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"did-a-detroit-billionaire-lobby-washington-before-trumps-bridge-threat","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10382","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":10370,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_date_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_content":"\n In the speech he made at Davos during the World Economic Forum held in January this year, Trump seemed to compare Greenland and Iceland, which are two very different places. At one point, he claimed that European nations \u201care not there for us on Iceland,\u201d which shows he mixed up two very different places during a controversy regarding Greenland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further, it is worth noting that while Greenland is a semi-autonomy territory of Denmark with a population of around 56,000 inhabitants and significant mineral value to the Arctic region of the world, Iceland has a population of around 390,000 inhabitants and is an independent nation allied with NATO<\/a>. Such misstatement evoked complaints from European leaders who emphasized that \u201cGreenland belongs to its people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. Trump has long advocated the acquisition of Greenland by the US, even before his return to the White House. He stated the acquisition was a matter of national security in the wake of increased activity by both Russia and China in the region. The region is a prime geopolitical flashpoint due to the opening up of shipping routes by the ice cap and the presence of strategic minerals such as rare earth minerals, cobalt, and nickel used in defense technology and renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the US Geological Survey, the region hosts an estimated 13 percent of the world's undiscovered oil reserves and 30 percent of the world's undiscovered natural gas. China considers itself a \u201cnear-Arctic state\u201d and has built up its infrastructure; Russia has expanded its military bases and icebreaker fleet. Against the backdrop of such strategic tensions, Trump's comments may be seen as part of a larger US national<\/a> concern about the region \u2013 with his apparent geographical errors fostering an air of uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White House Press Secretary<\/a> Karoline Leavitt denied the accusation that the former President had inaccurately called Greenland by the incorrect name of Iceland. His false attribution of the two locations does not seem to have been admitted by the administration. It makes one wonder if his foreign policy is guided by purely political considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a report from The Bulwark, Iceland\u2019s ambassador to the United States, Svanhildur H\u00f3lm Valsd\u00f3ttir, has hired the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent them in matters of engagement with the US government. The US Department of Justice filing disclosed this as a contracting agreement for six months at a rate of $150,000 for a monthly retainer of $25,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The firm is expected to bring Icelandic officials into contact with U.S. policymakers and to help policymakers navigate what emerging policies may look like, reflecting a sense of concern that U.S. rhetoric may eventually have unforeseen consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Trump and Carney <\/a>had a stable relationship at first, but things escalated after Carney\u2019s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Carney said that the world order led by the U.S. was going through an \u201cirreversible rupture\u201d and called for the middle powers to come together, which was seen as a criticism of Trump\u2019s leadership in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump was angry at the criticism and said that Canada was taking advantage of the United States.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Did a Detroit billionaire lobby Washington before Trump\u2019s bridge threat?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"did-a-detroit-billionaire-lobby-washington-before-trumps-bridge-threat","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10382","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":10370,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_date_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_content":"\n In the speech he made at Davos during the World Economic Forum held in January this year, Trump seemed to compare Greenland and Iceland, which are two very different places. At one point, he claimed that European nations \u201care not there for us on Iceland,\u201d which shows he mixed up two very different places during a controversy regarding Greenland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further, it is worth noting that while Greenland is a semi-autonomy territory of Denmark with a population of around 56,000 inhabitants and significant mineral value to the Arctic region of the world, Iceland has a population of around 390,000 inhabitants and is an independent nation allied with NATO<\/a>. Such misstatement evoked complaints from European leaders who emphasized that \u201cGreenland belongs to its people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. Trump has long advocated the acquisition of Greenland by the US, even before his return to the White House. He stated the acquisition was a matter of national security in the wake of increased activity by both Russia and China in the region. The region is a prime geopolitical flashpoint due to the opening up of shipping routes by the ice cap and the presence of strategic minerals such as rare earth minerals, cobalt, and nickel used in defense technology and renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the US Geological Survey, the region hosts an estimated 13 percent of the world's undiscovered oil reserves and 30 percent of the world's undiscovered natural gas. China considers itself a \u201cnear-Arctic state\u201d and has built up its infrastructure; Russia has expanded its military bases and icebreaker fleet. Against the backdrop of such strategic tensions, Trump's comments may be seen as part of a larger US national<\/a> concern about the region \u2013 with his apparent geographical errors fostering an air of uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White House Press Secretary<\/a> Karoline Leavitt denied the accusation that the former President had inaccurately called Greenland by the incorrect name of Iceland. His false attribution of the two locations does not seem to have been admitted by the administration. It makes one wonder if his foreign policy is guided by purely political considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a report from The Bulwark, Iceland\u2019s ambassador to the United States, Svanhildur H\u00f3lm Valsd\u00f3ttir, has hired the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent them in matters of engagement with the US government. The US Department of Justice filing disclosed this as a contracting agreement for six months at a rate of $150,000 for a monthly retainer of $25,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The firm is expected to bring Icelandic officials into contact with U.S. policymakers and to help policymakers navigate what emerging policies may look like, reflecting a sense of concern that U.S. rhetoric may eventually have unforeseen consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
During his first term, Trump publicly supported the bridge as a vital economic link between the United States and Canada. His reversal underscores the shifting tone of his second-term foreign and trade policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump and Carney <\/a>had a stable relationship at first, but things escalated after Carney\u2019s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Carney said that the world order led by the U.S. was going through an \u201cirreversible rupture\u201d and called for the middle powers to come together, which was seen as a criticism of Trump\u2019s leadership in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump was angry at the criticism and said that Canada was taking advantage of the United States.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Did a Detroit billionaire lobby Washington before Trump\u2019s bridge threat?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"did-a-detroit-billionaire-lobby-washington-before-trumps-bridge-threat","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10382","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":10370,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_date_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_content":"\n In the speech he made at Davos during the World Economic Forum held in January this year, Trump seemed to compare Greenland and Iceland, which are two very different places. At one point, he claimed that European nations \u201care not there for us on Iceland,\u201d which shows he mixed up two very different places during a controversy regarding Greenland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further, it is worth noting that while Greenland is a semi-autonomy territory of Denmark with a population of around 56,000 inhabitants and significant mineral value to the Arctic region of the world, Iceland has a population of around 390,000 inhabitants and is an independent nation allied with NATO<\/a>. Such misstatement evoked complaints from European leaders who emphasized that \u201cGreenland belongs to its people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. Trump has long advocated the acquisition of Greenland by the US, even before his return to the White House. He stated the acquisition was a matter of national security in the wake of increased activity by both Russia and China in the region. The region is a prime geopolitical flashpoint due to the opening up of shipping routes by the ice cap and the presence of strategic minerals such as rare earth minerals, cobalt, and nickel used in defense technology and renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the US Geological Survey, the region hosts an estimated 13 percent of the world's undiscovered oil reserves and 30 percent of the world's undiscovered natural gas. China considers itself a \u201cnear-Arctic state\u201d and has built up its infrastructure; Russia has expanded its military bases and icebreaker fleet. Against the backdrop of such strategic tensions, Trump's comments may be seen as part of a larger US national<\/a> concern about the region \u2013 with his apparent geographical errors fostering an air of uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White House Press Secretary<\/a> Karoline Leavitt denied the accusation that the former President had inaccurately called Greenland by the incorrect name of Iceland. His false attribution of the two locations does not seem to have been admitted by the administration. It makes one wonder if his foreign policy is guided by purely political considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a report from The Bulwark, Iceland\u2019s ambassador to the United States, Svanhildur H\u00f3lm Valsd\u00f3ttir, has hired the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent them in matters of engagement with the US government. The US Department of Justice filing disclosed this as a contracting agreement for six months at a rate of $150,000 for a monthly retainer of $25,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The firm is expected to bring Icelandic officials into contact with U.S. policymakers and to help policymakers navigate what emerging policies may look like, reflecting a sense of concern that U.S. rhetoric may eventually have unforeseen consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
During his first term, Trump publicly supported the bridge as a vital economic link between the United States and Canada. His reversal underscores the shifting tone of his second-term foreign and trade policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump and Carney <\/a>had a stable relationship at first, but things escalated after Carney\u2019s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Carney said that the world order led by the U.S. was going through an \u201cirreversible rupture\u201d and called for the middle powers to come together, which was seen as a criticism of Trump\u2019s leadership in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump was angry at the criticism and said that Canada was taking advantage of the United States.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Did a Detroit billionaire lobby Washington before Trump\u2019s bridge threat?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"did-a-detroit-billionaire-lobby-washington-before-trumps-bridge-threat","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10382","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":10370,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_date_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_content":"\n In the speech he made at Davos during the World Economic Forum held in January this year, Trump seemed to compare Greenland and Iceland, which are two very different places. At one point, he claimed that European nations \u201care not there for us on Iceland,\u201d which shows he mixed up two very different places during a controversy regarding Greenland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further, it is worth noting that while Greenland is a semi-autonomy territory of Denmark with a population of around 56,000 inhabitants and significant mineral value to the Arctic region of the world, Iceland has a population of around 390,000 inhabitants and is an independent nation allied with NATO<\/a>. Such misstatement evoked complaints from European leaders who emphasized that \u201cGreenland belongs to its people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. Trump has long advocated the acquisition of Greenland by the US, even before his return to the White House. He stated the acquisition was a matter of national security in the wake of increased activity by both Russia and China in the region. The region is a prime geopolitical flashpoint due to the opening up of shipping routes by the ice cap and the presence of strategic minerals such as rare earth minerals, cobalt, and nickel used in defense technology and renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the US Geological Survey, the region hosts an estimated 13 percent of the world's undiscovered oil reserves and 30 percent of the world's undiscovered natural gas. China considers itself a \u201cnear-Arctic state\u201d and has built up its infrastructure; Russia has expanded its military bases and icebreaker fleet. Against the backdrop of such strategic tensions, Trump's comments may be seen as part of a larger US national<\/a> concern about the region \u2013 with his apparent geographical errors fostering an air of uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White House Press Secretary<\/a> Karoline Leavitt denied the accusation that the former President had inaccurately called Greenland by the incorrect name of Iceland. His false attribution of the two locations does not seem to have been admitted by the administration. It makes one wonder if his foreign policy is guided by purely political considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a report from The Bulwark, Iceland\u2019s ambassador to the United States, Svanhildur H\u00f3lm Valsd\u00f3ttir, has hired the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent them in matters of engagement with the US government. The US Department of Justice filing disclosed this as a contracting agreement for six months at a rate of $150,000 for a monthly retainer of $25,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The firm is expected to bring Icelandic officials into contact with U.S. policymakers and to help policymakers navigate what emerging policies may look like, reflecting a sense of concern that U.S. rhetoric may eventually have unforeseen consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Democrats were critical of Trump\u2019s position, claiming that he is taking the side of big money against workers. Representative Debbie Dingell of Michigan said that this incident shows how billionaires get to shape policy that ends up hurting the people who voted for Trump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During his first term, Trump publicly supported the bridge as a vital economic link between the United States and Canada. His reversal underscores the shifting tone of his second-term foreign and trade policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump and Carney <\/a>had a stable relationship at first, but things escalated after Carney\u2019s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Carney said that the world order led by the U.S. was going through an \u201cirreversible rupture\u201d and called for the middle powers to come together, which was seen as a criticism of Trump\u2019s leadership in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump was angry at the criticism and said that Canada was taking advantage of the United States.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Did a Detroit billionaire lobby Washington before Trump\u2019s bridge threat?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"did-a-detroit-billionaire-lobby-washington-before-trumps-bridge-threat","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10382","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":10370,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_date_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_content":"\n In the speech he made at Davos during the World Economic Forum held in January this year, Trump seemed to compare Greenland and Iceland, which are two very different places. At one point, he claimed that European nations \u201care not there for us on Iceland,\u201d which shows he mixed up two very different places during a controversy regarding Greenland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further, it is worth noting that while Greenland is a semi-autonomy territory of Denmark with a population of around 56,000 inhabitants and significant mineral value to the Arctic region of the world, Iceland has a population of around 390,000 inhabitants and is an independent nation allied with NATO<\/a>. Such misstatement evoked complaints from European leaders who emphasized that \u201cGreenland belongs to its people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. Trump has long advocated the acquisition of Greenland by the US, even before his return to the White House. He stated the acquisition was a matter of national security in the wake of increased activity by both Russia and China in the region. The region is a prime geopolitical flashpoint due to the opening up of shipping routes by the ice cap and the presence of strategic minerals such as rare earth minerals, cobalt, and nickel used in defense technology and renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the US Geological Survey, the region hosts an estimated 13 percent of the world's undiscovered oil reserves and 30 percent of the world's undiscovered natural gas. China considers itself a \u201cnear-Arctic state\u201d and has built up its infrastructure; Russia has expanded its military bases and icebreaker fleet. Against the backdrop of such strategic tensions, Trump's comments may be seen as part of a larger US national<\/a> concern about the region \u2013 with his apparent geographical errors fostering an air of uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White House Press Secretary<\/a> Karoline Leavitt denied the accusation that the former President had inaccurately called Greenland by the incorrect name of Iceland. His false attribution of the two locations does not seem to have been admitted by the administration. It makes one wonder if his foreign policy is guided by purely political considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a report from The Bulwark, Iceland\u2019s ambassador to the United States, Svanhildur H\u00f3lm Valsd\u00f3ttir, has hired the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent them in matters of engagement with the US government. The US Department of Justice filing disclosed this as a contracting agreement for six months at a rate of $150,000 for a monthly retainer of $25,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The firm is expected to bring Icelandic officials into contact with U.S. policymakers and to help policymakers navigate what emerging policies may look like, reflecting a sense of concern that U.S. rhetoric may eventually have unforeseen consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed that he did speak with Trump and explained that the Canadian government did pay for the bridge, although the ownership will be split with the state of Michigan. Carney said that the bridge is a symbol of cooperation between the two countries and that he looks forward to its opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Democrats were critical of Trump\u2019s position, claiming that he is taking the side of big money against workers. Representative Debbie Dingell of Michigan said that this incident shows how billionaires get to shape policy that ends up hurting the people who voted for Trump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During his first term, Trump publicly supported the bridge as a vital economic link between the United States and Canada. His reversal underscores the shifting tone of his second-term foreign and trade policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump and Carney <\/a>had a stable relationship at first, but things escalated after Carney\u2019s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Carney said that the world order led by the U.S. was going through an \u201cirreversible rupture\u201d and called for the middle powers to come together, which was seen as a criticism of Trump\u2019s leadership in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump was angry at the criticism and said that Canada was taking advantage of the United States.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Did a Detroit billionaire lobby Washington before Trump\u2019s bridge threat?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"did-a-detroit-billionaire-lobby-washington-before-trumps-bridge-threat","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10382","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":10370,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_date_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_content":"\n In the speech he made at Davos during the World Economic Forum held in January this year, Trump seemed to compare Greenland and Iceland, which are two very different places. At one point, he claimed that European nations \u201care not there for us on Iceland,\u201d which shows he mixed up two very different places during a controversy regarding Greenland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further, it is worth noting that while Greenland is a semi-autonomy territory of Denmark with a population of around 56,000 inhabitants and significant mineral value to the Arctic region of the world, Iceland has a population of around 390,000 inhabitants and is an independent nation allied with NATO<\/a>. Such misstatement evoked complaints from European leaders who emphasized that \u201cGreenland belongs to its people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. Trump has long advocated the acquisition of Greenland by the US, even before his return to the White House. He stated the acquisition was a matter of national security in the wake of increased activity by both Russia and China in the region. The region is a prime geopolitical flashpoint due to the opening up of shipping routes by the ice cap and the presence of strategic minerals such as rare earth minerals, cobalt, and nickel used in defense technology and renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the US Geological Survey, the region hosts an estimated 13 percent of the world's undiscovered oil reserves and 30 percent of the world's undiscovered natural gas. China considers itself a \u201cnear-Arctic state\u201d and has built up its infrastructure; Russia has expanded its military bases and icebreaker fleet. Against the backdrop of such strategic tensions, Trump's comments may be seen as part of a larger US national<\/a> concern about the region \u2013 with his apparent geographical errors fostering an air of uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White House Press Secretary<\/a> Karoline Leavitt denied the accusation that the former President had inaccurately called Greenland by the incorrect name of Iceland. His false attribution of the two locations does not seem to have been admitted by the administration. It makes one wonder if his foreign policy is guided by purely political considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a report from The Bulwark, Iceland\u2019s ambassador to the United States, Svanhildur H\u00f3lm Valsd\u00f3ttir, has hired the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent them in matters of engagement with the US government. The US Department of Justice filing disclosed this as a contracting agreement for six months at a rate of $150,000 for a monthly retainer of $25,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The firm is expected to bring Icelandic officials into contact with U.S. policymakers and to help policymakers navigate what emerging policies may look like, reflecting a sense of concern that U.S. rhetoric may eventually have unforeseen consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed that he did speak with Trump and explained that the Canadian government did pay for the bridge, although the ownership will be split with the state of Michigan. Carney said that the bridge is a symbol of cooperation between the two countries and that he looks forward to its opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Democrats were critical of Trump\u2019s position, claiming that he is taking the side of big money against workers. Representative Debbie Dingell of Michigan said that this incident shows how billionaires get to shape policy that ends up hurting the people who voted for Trump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During his first term, Trump publicly supported the bridge as a vital economic link between the United States and Canada. His reversal underscores the shifting tone of his second-term foreign and trade policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump and Carney <\/a>had a stable relationship at first, but things escalated after Carney\u2019s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Carney said that the world order led by the U.S. was going through an \u201cirreversible rupture\u201d and called for the middle powers to come together, which was seen as a criticism of Trump\u2019s leadership in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump was angry at the criticism and said that Canada was taking advantage of the United States.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Did a Detroit billionaire lobby Washington before Trump\u2019s bridge threat?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"did-a-detroit-billionaire-lobby-washington-before-trumps-bridge-threat","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10382","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":10370,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_date_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_content":"\n In the speech he made at Davos during the World Economic Forum held in January this year, Trump seemed to compare Greenland and Iceland, which are two very different places. At one point, he claimed that European nations \u201care not there for us on Iceland,\u201d which shows he mixed up two very different places during a controversy regarding Greenland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further, it is worth noting that while Greenland is a semi-autonomy territory of Denmark with a population of around 56,000 inhabitants and significant mineral value to the Arctic region of the world, Iceland has a population of around 390,000 inhabitants and is an independent nation allied with NATO<\/a>. Such misstatement evoked complaints from European leaders who emphasized that \u201cGreenland belongs to its people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. Trump has long advocated the acquisition of Greenland by the US, even before his return to the White House. He stated the acquisition was a matter of national security in the wake of increased activity by both Russia and China in the region. The region is a prime geopolitical flashpoint due to the opening up of shipping routes by the ice cap and the presence of strategic minerals such as rare earth minerals, cobalt, and nickel used in defense technology and renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the US Geological Survey, the region hosts an estimated 13 percent of the world's undiscovered oil reserves and 30 percent of the world's undiscovered natural gas. China considers itself a \u201cnear-Arctic state\u201d and has built up its infrastructure; Russia has expanded its military bases and icebreaker fleet. Against the backdrop of such strategic tensions, Trump's comments may be seen as part of a larger US national<\/a> concern about the region \u2013 with his apparent geographical errors fostering an air of uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White House Press Secretary<\/a> Karoline Leavitt denied the accusation that the former President had inaccurately called Greenland by the incorrect name of Iceland. His false attribution of the two locations does not seem to have been admitted by the administration. It makes one wonder if his foreign policy is guided by purely political considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a report from The Bulwark, Iceland\u2019s ambassador to the United States, Svanhildur H\u00f3lm Valsd\u00f3ttir, has hired the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent them in matters of engagement with the US government. The US Department of Justice filing disclosed this as a contracting agreement for six months at a rate of $150,000 for a monthly retainer of $25,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The firm is expected to bring Icelandic officials into contact with U.S. policymakers and to help policymakers navigate what emerging policies may look like, reflecting a sense of concern that U.S. rhetoric may eventually have unforeseen consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Leavitt said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed that he did speak with Trump and explained that the Canadian government did pay for the bridge, although the ownership will be split with the state of Michigan. Carney said that the bridge is a symbol of cooperation between the two countries and that he looks forward to its opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Democrats were critical of Trump\u2019s position, claiming that he is taking the side of big money against workers. Representative Debbie Dingell of Michigan said that this incident shows how billionaires get to shape policy that ends up hurting the people who voted for Trump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During his first term, Trump publicly supported the bridge as a vital economic link between the United States and Canada. His reversal underscores the shifting tone of his second-term foreign and trade policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump and Carney <\/a>had a stable relationship at first, but things escalated after Carney\u2019s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Carney said that the world order led by the U.S. was going through an \u201cirreversible rupture\u201d and called for the middle powers to come together, which was seen as a criticism of Trump\u2019s leadership in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump was angry at the criticism and said that Canada was taking advantage of the United States.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Did a Detroit billionaire lobby Washington before Trump\u2019s bridge threat?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"did-a-detroit-billionaire-lobby-washington-before-trumps-bridge-threat","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10382","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":10370,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_date_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_content":"\n In the speech he made at Davos during the World Economic Forum held in January this year, Trump seemed to compare Greenland and Iceland, which are two very different places. At one point, he claimed that European nations \u201care not there for us on Iceland,\u201d which shows he mixed up two very different places during a controversy regarding Greenland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further, it is worth noting that while Greenland is a semi-autonomy territory of Denmark with a population of around 56,000 inhabitants and significant mineral value to the Arctic region of the world, Iceland has a population of around 390,000 inhabitants and is an independent nation allied with NATO<\/a>. Such misstatement evoked complaints from European leaders who emphasized that \u201cGreenland belongs to its people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. Trump has long advocated the acquisition of Greenland by the US, even before his return to the White House. He stated the acquisition was a matter of national security in the wake of increased activity by both Russia and China in the region. The region is a prime geopolitical flashpoint due to the opening up of shipping routes by the ice cap and the presence of strategic minerals such as rare earth minerals, cobalt, and nickel used in defense technology and renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the US Geological Survey, the region hosts an estimated 13 percent of the world's undiscovered oil reserves and 30 percent of the world's undiscovered natural gas. China considers itself a \u201cnear-Arctic state\u201d and has built up its infrastructure; Russia has expanded its military bases and icebreaker fleet. Against the backdrop of such strategic tensions, Trump's comments may be seen as part of a larger US national<\/a> concern about the region \u2013 with his apparent geographical errors fostering an air of uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White House Press Secretary<\/a> Karoline Leavitt denied the accusation that the former President had inaccurately called Greenland by the incorrect name of Iceland. His false attribution of the two locations does not seem to have been admitted by the administration. It makes one wonder if his foreign policy is guided by purely political considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a report from The Bulwark, Iceland\u2019s ambassador to the United States, Svanhildur H\u00f3lm Valsd\u00f3ttir, has hired the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent them in matters of engagement with the US government. The US Department of Justice filing disclosed this as a contracting agreement for six months at a rate of $150,000 for a monthly retainer of $25,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The firm is expected to bring Icelandic officials into contact with U.S. policymakers and to help policymakers navigate what emerging policies may look like, reflecting a sense of concern that U.S. rhetoric may eventually have unforeseen consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
\u201cThis is just another example of President Trump putting America\u2019s interest first,\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Leavitt said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed that he did speak with Trump and explained that the Canadian government did pay for the bridge, although the ownership will be split with the state of Michigan. Carney said that the bridge is a symbol of cooperation between the two countries and that he looks forward to its opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Democrats were critical of Trump\u2019s position, claiming that he is taking the side of big money against workers. Representative Debbie Dingell of Michigan said that this incident shows how billionaires get to shape policy that ends up hurting the people who voted for Trump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During his first term, Trump publicly supported the bridge as a vital economic link between the United States and Canada. His reversal underscores the shifting tone of his second-term foreign and trade policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump and Carney <\/a>had a stable relationship at first, but things escalated after Carney\u2019s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Carney said that the world order led by the U.S. was going through an \u201cirreversible rupture\u201d and called for the middle powers to come together, which was seen as a criticism of Trump\u2019s leadership in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump was angry at the criticism and said that Canada was taking advantage of the United States.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Did a Detroit billionaire lobby Washington before Trump\u2019s bridge threat?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"did-a-detroit-billionaire-lobby-washington-before-trumps-bridge-threat","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10382","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":10370,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_date_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_content":"\n In the speech he made at Davos during the World Economic Forum held in January this year, Trump seemed to compare Greenland and Iceland, which are two very different places. At one point, he claimed that European nations \u201care not there for us on Iceland,\u201d which shows he mixed up two very different places during a controversy regarding Greenland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further, it is worth noting that while Greenland is a semi-autonomy territory of Denmark with a population of around 56,000 inhabitants and significant mineral value to the Arctic region of the world, Iceland has a population of around 390,000 inhabitants and is an independent nation allied with NATO<\/a>. Such misstatement evoked complaints from European leaders who emphasized that \u201cGreenland belongs to its people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. Trump has long advocated the acquisition of Greenland by the US, even before his return to the White House. He stated the acquisition was a matter of national security in the wake of increased activity by both Russia and China in the region. The region is a prime geopolitical flashpoint due to the opening up of shipping routes by the ice cap and the presence of strategic minerals such as rare earth minerals, cobalt, and nickel used in defense technology and renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the US Geological Survey, the region hosts an estimated 13 percent of the world's undiscovered oil reserves and 30 percent of the world's undiscovered natural gas. China considers itself a \u201cnear-Arctic state\u201d and has built up its infrastructure; Russia has expanded its military bases and icebreaker fleet. Against the backdrop of such strategic tensions, Trump's comments may be seen as part of a larger US national<\/a> concern about the region \u2013 with his apparent geographical errors fostering an air of uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White House Press Secretary<\/a> Karoline Leavitt denied the accusation that the former President had inaccurately called Greenland by the incorrect name of Iceland. His false attribution of the two locations does not seem to have been admitted by the administration. It makes one wonder if his foreign policy is guided by purely political considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a report from The Bulwark, Iceland\u2019s ambassador to the United States, Svanhildur H\u00f3lm Valsd\u00f3ttir, has hired the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent them in matters of engagement with the US government. The US Department of Justice filing disclosed this as a contracting agreement for six months at a rate of $150,000 for a monthly retainer of $25,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The firm is expected to bring Icelandic officials into contact with U.S. policymakers and to help policymakers navigate what emerging policies may look like, reflecting a sense of concern that U.S. rhetoric may eventually have unforeseen consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
\u201cThis is just another example of President Trump putting America\u2019s interest first,\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Leavitt said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed that he did speak with Trump and explained that the Canadian government did pay for the bridge, although the ownership will be split with the state of Michigan. Carney said that the bridge is a symbol of cooperation between the two countries and that he looks forward to its opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Democrats were critical of Trump\u2019s position, claiming that he is taking the side of big money against workers. Representative Debbie Dingell of Michigan said that this incident shows how billionaires get to shape policy that ends up hurting the people who voted for Trump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During his first term, Trump publicly supported the bridge as a vital economic link between the United States and Canada. His reversal underscores the shifting tone of his second-term foreign and trade policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump and Carney <\/a>had a stable relationship at first, but things escalated after Carney\u2019s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Carney said that the world order led by the U.S. was going through an \u201cirreversible rupture\u201d and called for the middle powers to come together, which was seen as a criticism of Trump\u2019s leadership in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump was angry at the criticism and said that Canada was taking advantage of the United States.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Did a Detroit billionaire lobby Washington before Trump\u2019s bridge threat?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"did-a-detroit-billionaire-lobby-washington-before-trumps-bridge-threat","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10382","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":10370,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_date_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_content":"\n In the speech he made at Davos during the World Economic Forum held in January this year, Trump seemed to compare Greenland and Iceland, which are two very different places. At one point, he claimed that European nations \u201care not there for us on Iceland,\u201d which shows he mixed up two very different places during a controversy regarding Greenland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further, it is worth noting that while Greenland is a semi-autonomy territory of Denmark with a population of around 56,000 inhabitants and significant mineral value to the Arctic region of the world, Iceland has a population of around 390,000 inhabitants and is an independent nation allied with NATO<\/a>. Such misstatement evoked complaints from European leaders who emphasized that \u201cGreenland belongs to its people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. Trump has long advocated the acquisition of Greenland by the US, even before his return to the White House. He stated the acquisition was a matter of national security in the wake of increased activity by both Russia and China in the region. The region is a prime geopolitical flashpoint due to the opening up of shipping routes by the ice cap and the presence of strategic minerals such as rare earth minerals, cobalt, and nickel used in defense technology and renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the US Geological Survey, the region hosts an estimated 13 percent of the world's undiscovered oil reserves and 30 percent of the world's undiscovered natural gas. China considers itself a \u201cnear-Arctic state\u201d and has built up its infrastructure; Russia has expanded its military bases and icebreaker fleet. Against the backdrop of such strategic tensions, Trump's comments may be seen as part of a larger US national<\/a> concern about the region \u2013 with his apparent geographical errors fostering an air of uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White House Press Secretary<\/a> Karoline Leavitt denied the accusation that the former President had inaccurately called Greenland by the incorrect name of Iceland. His false attribution of the two locations does not seem to have been admitted by the administration. It makes one wonder if his foreign policy is guided by purely political considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a report from The Bulwark, Iceland\u2019s ambassador to the United States, Svanhildur H\u00f3lm Valsd\u00f3ttir, has hired the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent them in matters of engagement with the US government. The US Department of Justice filing disclosed this as a contracting agreement for six months at a rate of $150,000 for a monthly retainer of $25,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The firm is expected to bring Icelandic officials into contact with U.S. policymakers and to help policymakers navigate what emerging policies may look like, reflecting a sense of concern that U.S. rhetoric may eventually have unforeseen consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump is opposed to the bridge because Canada is the one that controls what goes over the bridge and owns land on both sides of the bridge. She also expressed her disapproval of the use of foreign materials in the construction of the bridge and stated that Trump\u2019s position on the bridge is in the best interest of America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis is just another example of President Trump putting America\u2019s interest first,\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Leavitt said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed that he did speak with Trump and explained that the Canadian government did pay for the bridge, although the ownership will be split with the state of Michigan. Carney said that the bridge is a symbol of cooperation between the two countries and that he looks forward to its opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Democrats were critical of Trump\u2019s position, claiming that he is taking the side of big money against workers. Representative Debbie Dingell of Michigan said that this incident shows how billionaires get to shape policy that ends up hurting the people who voted for Trump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During his first term, Trump publicly supported the bridge as a vital economic link between the United States and Canada. His reversal underscores the shifting tone of his second-term foreign and trade policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump and Carney <\/a>had a stable relationship at first, but things escalated after Carney\u2019s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Carney said that the world order led by the U.S. was going through an \u201cirreversible rupture\u201d and called for the middle powers to come together, which was seen as a criticism of Trump\u2019s leadership in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump was angry at the criticism and said that Canada was taking advantage of the United States.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Did a Detroit billionaire lobby Washington before Trump\u2019s bridge threat?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"did-a-detroit-billionaire-lobby-washington-before-trumps-bridge-threat","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10382","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":10370,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_date_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_content":"\n In the speech he made at Davos during the World Economic Forum held in January this year, Trump seemed to compare Greenland and Iceland, which are two very different places. At one point, he claimed that European nations \u201care not there for us on Iceland,\u201d which shows he mixed up two very different places during a controversy regarding Greenland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further, it is worth noting that while Greenland is a semi-autonomy territory of Denmark with a population of around 56,000 inhabitants and significant mineral value to the Arctic region of the world, Iceland has a population of around 390,000 inhabitants and is an independent nation allied with NATO<\/a>. Such misstatement evoked complaints from European leaders who emphasized that \u201cGreenland belongs to its people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. Trump has long advocated the acquisition of Greenland by the US, even before his return to the White House. He stated the acquisition was a matter of national security in the wake of increased activity by both Russia and China in the region. The region is a prime geopolitical flashpoint due to the opening up of shipping routes by the ice cap and the presence of strategic minerals such as rare earth minerals, cobalt, and nickel used in defense technology and renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the US Geological Survey, the region hosts an estimated 13 percent of the world's undiscovered oil reserves and 30 percent of the world's undiscovered natural gas. China considers itself a \u201cnear-Arctic state\u201d and has built up its infrastructure; Russia has expanded its military bases and icebreaker fleet. Against the backdrop of such strategic tensions, Trump's comments may be seen as part of a larger US national<\/a> concern about the region \u2013 with his apparent geographical errors fostering an air of uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White House Press Secretary<\/a> Karoline Leavitt denied the accusation that the former President had inaccurately called Greenland by the incorrect name of Iceland. His false attribution of the two locations does not seem to have been admitted by the administration. It makes one wonder if his foreign policy is guided by purely political considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a report from The Bulwark, Iceland\u2019s ambassador to the United States, Svanhildur H\u00f3lm Valsd\u00f3ttir, has hired the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent them in matters of engagement with the US government. The US Department of Justice filing disclosed this as a contracting agreement for six months at a rate of $150,000 for a monthly retainer of $25,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The firm is expected to bring Icelandic officials into contact with U.S. policymakers and to help policymakers navigate what emerging policies may look like, reflecting a sense of concern that U.S. rhetoric may eventually have unforeseen consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump is opposed to the bridge because Canada is the one that controls what goes over the bridge and owns land on both sides of the bridge. She also expressed her disapproval of the use of foreign materials in the construction of the bridge and stated that Trump\u2019s position on the bridge is in the best interest of America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis is just another example of President Trump putting America\u2019s interest first,\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Leavitt said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed that he did speak with Trump and explained that the Canadian government did pay for the bridge, although the ownership will be split with the state of Michigan. Carney said that the bridge is a symbol of cooperation between the two countries and that he looks forward to its opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Democrats were critical of Trump\u2019s position, claiming that he is taking the side of big money against workers. Representative Debbie Dingell of Michigan said that this incident shows how billionaires get to shape policy that ends up hurting the people who voted for Trump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During his first term, Trump publicly supported the bridge as a vital economic link between the United States and Canada. His reversal underscores the shifting tone of his second-term foreign and trade policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump and Carney <\/a>had a stable relationship at first, but things escalated after Carney\u2019s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Carney said that the world order led by the U.S. was going through an \u201cirreversible rupture\u201d and called for the middle powers to come together, which was seen as a criticism of Trump\u2019s leadership in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump was angry at the criticism and said that Canada was taking advantage of the United States.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Did a Detroit billionaire lobby Washington before Trump\u2019s bridge threat?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"did-a-detroit-billionaire-lobby-washington-before-trumps-bridge-threat","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10382","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":10370,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_date_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_content":"\n In the speech he made at Davos during the World Economic Forum held in January this year, Trump seemed to compare Greenland and Iceland, which are two very different places. At one point, he claimed that European nations \u201care not there for us on Iceland,\u201d which shows he mixed up two very different places during a controversy regarding Greenland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further, it is worth noting that while Greenland is a semi-autonomy territory of Denmark with a population of around 56,000 inhabitants and significant mineral value to the Arctic region of the world, Iceland has a population of around 390,000 inhabitants and is an independent nation allied with NATO<\/a>. Such misstatement evoked complaints from European leaders who emphasized that \u201cGreenland belongs to its people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. Trump has long advocated the acquisition of Greenland by the US, even before his return to the White House. He stated the acquisition was a matter of national security in the wake of increased activity by both Russia and China in the region. The region is a prime geopolitical flashpoint due to the opening up of shipping routes by the ice cap and the presence of strategic minerals such as rare earth minerals, cobalt, and nickel used in defense technology and renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the US Geological Survey, the region hosts an estimated 13 percent of the world's undiscovered oil reserves and 30 percent of the world's undiscovered natural gas. China considers itself a \u201cnear-Arctic state\u201d and has built up its infrastructure; Russia has expanded its military bases and icebreaker fleet. Against the backdrop of such strategic tensions, Trump's comments may be seen as part of a larger US national<\/a> concern about the region \u2013 with his apparent geographical errors fostering an air of uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White House Press Secretary<\/a> Karoline Leavitt denied the accusation that the former President had inaccurately called Greenland by the incorrect name of Iceland. His false attribution of the two locations does not seem to have been admitted by the administration. It makes one wonder if his foreign policy is guided by purely political considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a report from The Bulwark, Iceland\u2019s ambassador to the United States, Svanhildur H\u00f3lm Valsd\u00f3ttir, has hired the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent them in matters of engagement with the US government. The US Department of Justice filing disclosed this as a contracting agreement for six months at a rate of $150,000 for a monthly retainer of $25,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The firm is expected to bring Icelandic officials into contact with U.S. policymakers and to help policymakers navigate what emerging policies may look like, reflecting a sense of concern that U.S. rhetoric may eventually have unforeseen consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
The United States, Canada, and Mexico are set to renegotiate their free trade agreement, which has been in place for many years, and this is expected to be contentious given Trump\u2019s tariff stance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump is opposed to the bridge because Canada is the one that controls what goes over the bridge and owns land on both sides of the bridge. She also expressed her disapproval of the use of foreign materials in the construction of the bridge and stated that Trump\u2019s position on the bridge is in the best interest of America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis is just another example of President Trump putting America\u2019s interest first,\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Leavitt said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed that he did speak with Trump and explained that the Canadian government did pay for the bridge, although the ownership will be split with the state of Michigan. Carney said that the bridge is a symbol of cooperation between the two countries and that he looks forward to its opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Democrats were critical of Trump\u2019s position, claiming that he is taking the side of big money against workers. Representative Debbie Dingell of Michigan said that this incident shows how billionaires get to shape policy that ends up hurting the people who voted for Trump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During his first term, Trump publicly supported the bridge as a vital economic link between the United States and Canada. His reversal underscores the shifting tone of his second-term foreign and trade policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump and Carney <\/a>had a stable relationship at first, but things escalated after Carney\u2019s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Carney said that the world order led by the U.S. was going through an \u201cirreversible rupture\u201d and called for the middle powers to come together, which was seen as a criticism of Trump\u2019s leadership in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump was angry at the criticism and said that Canada was taking advantage of the United States.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Did a Detroit billionaire lobby Washington before Trump\u2019s bridge threat?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"did-a-detroit-billionaire-lobby-washington-before-trumps-bridge-threat","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10382","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":10370,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_date_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_content":"\n In the speech he made at Davos during the World Economic Forum held in January this year, Trump seemed to compare Greenland and Iceland, which are two very different places. At one point, he claimed that European nations \u201care not there for us on Iceland,\u201d which shows he mixed up two very different places during a controversy regarding Greenland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further, it is worth noting that while Greenland is a semi-autonomy territory of Denmark with a population of around 56,000 inhabitants and significant mineral value to the Arctic region of the world, Iceland has a population of around 390,000 inhabitants and is an independent nation allied with NATO<\/a>. Such misstatement evoked complaints from European leaders who emphasized that \u201cGreenland belongs to its people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. Trump has long advocated the acquisition of Greenland by the US, even before his return to the White House. He stated the acquisition was a matter of national security in the wake of increased activity by both Russia and China in the region. The region is a prime geopolitical flashpoint due to the opening up of shipping routes by the ice cap and the presence of strategic minerals such as rare earth minerals, cobalt, and nickel used in defense technology and renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the US Geological Survey, the region hosts an estimated 13 percent of the world's undiscovered oil reserves and 30 percent of the world's undiscovered natural gas. China considers itself a \u201cnear-Arctic state\u201d and has built up its infrastructure; Russia has expanded its military bases and icebreaker fleet. Against the backdrop of such strategic tensions, Trump's comments may be seen as part of a larger US national<\/a> concern about the region \u2013 with his apparent geographical errors fostering an air of uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White House Press Secretary<\/a> Karoline Leavitt denied the accusation that the former President had inaccurately called Greenland by the incorrect name of Iceland. His false attribution of the two locations does not seem to have been admitted by the administration. It makes one wonder if his foreign policy is guided by purely political considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a report from The Bulwark, Iceland\u2019s ambassador to the United States, Svanhildur H\u00f3lm Valsd\u00f3ttir, has hired the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent them in matters of engagement with the US government. The US Department of Justice filing disclosed this as a contracting agreement for six months at a rate of $150,000 for a monthly retainer of $25,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The firm is expected to bring Icelandic officials into contact with U.S. policymakers and to help policymakers navigate what emerging policies may look like, reflecting a sense of concern that U.S. rhetoric may eventually have unforeseen consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
The bridge threats are the latest in a series of escalations between the United States and Canada, one of the United States\u2019 closest allies and largest trading partners. Since taking office, Trump has challenged the sovereignty of Canada and imposed tariffs on important sectors such as steel, lumber, and autos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The United States, Canada, and Mexico are set to renegotiate their free trade agreement, which has been in place for many years, and this is expected to be contentious given Trump\u2019s tariff stance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump is opposed to the bridge because Canada is the one that controls what goes over the bridge and owns land on both sides of the bridge. She also expressed her disapproval of the use of foreign materials in the construction of the bridge and stated that Trump\u2019s position on the bridge is in the best interest of America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis is just another example of President Trump putting America\u2019s interest first,\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Leavitt said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed that he did speak with Trump and explained that the Canadian government did pay for the bridge, although the ownership will be split with the state of Michigan. Carney said that the bridge is a symbol of cooperation between the two countries and that he looks forward to its opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Democrats were critical of Trump\u2019s position, claiming that he is taking the side of big money against workers. Representative Debbie Dingell of Michigan said that this incident shows how billionaires get to shape policy that ends up hurting the people who voted for Trump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During his first term, Trump publicly supported the bridge as a vital economic link between the United States and Canada. His reversal underscores the shifting tone of his second-term foreign and trade policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump and Carney <\/a>had a stable relationship at first, but things escalated after Carney\u2019s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Carney said that the world order led by the U.S. was going through an \u201cirreversible rupture\u201d and called for the middle powers to come together, which was seen as a criticism of Trump\u2019s leadership in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump was angry at the criticism and said that Canada was taking advantage of the United States.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Did a Detroit billionaire lobby Washington before Trump\u2019s bridge threat?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"did-a-detroit-billionaire-lobby-washington-before-trumps-bridge-threat","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10382","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":10370,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_date_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_content":"\n In the speech he made at Davos during the World Economic Forum held in January this year, Trump seemed to compare Greenland and Iceland, which are two very different places. At one point, he claimed that European nations \u201care not there for us on Iceland,\u201d which shows he mixed up two very different places during a controversy regarding Greenland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further, it is worth noting that while Greenland is a semi-autonomy territory of Denmark with a population of around 56,000 inhabitants and significant mineral value to the Arctic region of the world, Iceland has a population of around 390,000 inhabitants and is an independent nation allied with NATO<\/a>. Such misstatement evoked complaints from European leaders who emphasized that \u201cGreenland belongs to its people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. Trump has long advocated the acquisition of Greenland by the US, even before his return to the White House. He stated the acquisition was a matter of national security in the wake of increased activity by both Russia and China in the region. The region is a prime geopolitical flashpoint due to the opening up of shipping routes by the ice cap and the presence of strategic minerals such as rare earth minerals, cobalt, and nickel used in defense technology and renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the US Geological Survey, the region hosts an estimated 13 percent of the world's undiscovered oil reserves and 30 percent of the world's undiscovered natural gas. China considers itself a \u201cnear-Arctic state\u201d and has built up its infrastructure; Russia has expanded its military bases and icebreaker fleet. Against the backdrop of such strategic tensions, Trump's comments may be seen as part of a larger US national<\/a> concern about the region \u2013 with his apparent geographical errors fostering an air of uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White House Press Secretary<\/a> Karoline Leavitt denied the accusation that the former President had inaccurately called Greenland by the incorrect name of Iceland. His false attribution of the two locations does not seem to have been admitted by the administration. It makes one wonder if his foreign policy is guided by purely political considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a report from The Bulwark, Iceland\u2019s ambassador to the United States, Svanhildur H\u00f3lm Valsd\u00f3ttir, has hired the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent them in matters of engagement with the US government. The US Department of Justice filing disclosed this as a contracting agreement for six months at a rate of $150,000 for a monthly retainer of $25,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The firm is expected to bring Icelandic officials into contact with U.S. policymakers and to help policymakers navigate what emerging policies may look like, reflecting a sense of concern that U.S. rhetoric may eventually have unforeseen consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
The bridge threats are the latest in a series of escalations between the United States and Canada, one of the United States\u2019 closest allies and largest trading partners. Since taking office, Trump has challenged the sovereignty of Canada and imposed tariffs on important sectors such as steel, lumber, and autos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The United States, Canada, and Mexico are set to renegotiate their free trade agreement, which has been in place for many years, and this is expected to be contentious given Trump\u2019s tariff stance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump is opposed to the bridge because Canada is the one that controls what goes over the bridge and owns land on both sides of the bridge. She also expressed her disapproval of the use of foreign materials in the construction of the bridge and stated that Trump\u2019s position on the bridge is in the best interest of America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis is just another example of President Trump putting America\u2019s interest first,\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Leavitt said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed that he did speak with Trump and explained that the Canadian government did pay for the bridge, although the ownership will be split with the state of Michigan. Carney said that the bridge is a symbol of cooperation between the two countries and that he looks forward to its opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Democrats were critical of Trump\u2019s position, claiming that he is taking the side of big money against workers. Representative Debbie Dingell of Michigan said that this incident shows how billionaires get to shape policy that ends up hurting the people who voted for Trump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During his first term, Trump publicly supported the bridge as a vital economic link between the United States and Canada. His reversal underscores the shifting tone of his second-term foreign and trade policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump and Carney <\/a>had a stable relationship at first, but things escalated after Carney\u2019s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Carney said that the world order led by the U.S. was going through an \u201cirreversible rupture\u201d and called for the middle powers to come together, which was seen as a criticism of Trump\u2019s leadership in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump was angry at the criticism and said that Canada was taking advantage of the United States.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Did a Detroit billionaire lobby Washington before Trump\u2019s bridge threat?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"did-a-detroit-billionaire-lobby-washington-before-trumps-bridge-threat","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10382","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":10370,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_date_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_content":"\n In the speech he made at Davos during the World Economic Forum held in January this year, Trump seemed to compare Greenland and Iceland, which are two very different places. At one point, he claimed that European nations \u201care not there for us on Iceland,\u201d which shows he mixed up two very different places during a controversy regarding Greenland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further, it is worth noting that while Greenland is a semi-autonomy territory of Denmark with a population of around 56,000 inhabitants and significant mineral value to the Arctic region of the world, Iceland has a population of around 390,000 inhabitants and is an independent nation allied with NATO<\/a>. Such misstatement evoked complaints from European leaders who emphasized that \u201cGreenland belongs to its people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. Trump has long advocated the acquisition of Greenland by the US, even before his return to the White House. He stated the acquisition was a matter of national security in the wake of increased activity by both Russia and China in the region. The region is a prime geopolitical flashpoint due to the opening up of shipping routes by the ice cap and the presence of strategic minerals such as rare earth minerals, cobalt, and nickel used in defense technology and renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the US Geological Survey, the region hosts an estimated 13 percent of the world's undiscovered oil reserves and 30 percent of the world's undiscovered natural gas. China considers itself a \u201cnear-Arctic state\u201d and has built up its infrastructure; Russia has expanded its military bases and icebreaker fleet. Against the backdrop of such strategic tensions, Trump's comments may be seen as part of a larger US national<\/a> concern about the region \u2013 with his apparent geographical errors fostering an air of uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White House Press Secretary<\/a> Karoline Leavitt denied the accusation that the former President had inaccurately called Greenland by the incorrect name of Iceland. His false attribution of the two locations does not seem to have been admitted by the administration. It makes one wonder if his foreign policy is guided by purely political considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a report from The Bulwark, Iceland\u2019s ambassador to the United States, Svanhildur H\u00f3lm Valsd\u00f3ttir, has hired the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent them in matters of engagement with the US government. The US Department of Justice filing disclosed this as a contracting agreement for six months at a rate of $150,000 for a monthly retainer of $25,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The firm is expected to bring Icelandic officials into contact with U.S. policymakers and to help policymakers navigate what emerging policies may look like, reflecting a sense of concern that U.S. rhetoric may eventually have unforeseen consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
In a social media post, Trump suggested the United States might seek ownership of \u201cat least one half\u201d of the bridge and a share of toll revenues, though it remains unclear how his administration could legally prevent the bridge from opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The bridge threats are the latest in a series of escalations between the United States and Canada, one of the United States\u2019 closest allies and largest trading partners. Since taking office, Trump has challenged the sovereignty of Canada and imposed tariffs on important sectors such as steel, lumber, and autos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The United States, Canada, and Mexico are set to renegotiate their free trade agreement, which has been in place for many years, and this is expected to be contentious given Trump\u2019s tariff stance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump is opposed to the bridge because Canada is the one that controls what goes over the bridge and owns land on both sides of the bridge. She also expressed her disapproval of the use of foreign materials in the construction of the bridge and stated that Trump\u2019s position on the bridge is in the best interest of America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis is just another example of President Trump putting America\u2019s interest first,\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Leavitt said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed that he did speak with Trump and explained that the Canadian government did pay for the bridge, although the ownership will be split with the state of Michigan. Carney said that the bridge is a symbol of cooperation between the two countries and that he looks forward to its opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Democrats were critical of Trump\u2019s position, claiming that he is taking the side of big money against workers. Representative Debbie Dingell of Michigan said that this incident shows how billionaires get to shape policy that ends up hurting the people who voted for Trump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During his first term, Trump publicly supported the bridge as a vital economic link between the United States and Canada. His reversal underscores the shifting tone of his second-term foreign and trade policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump and Carney <\/a>had a stable relationship at first, but things escalated after Carney\u2019s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Carney said that the world order led by the U.S. was going through an \u201cirreversible rupture\u201d and called for the middle powers to come together, which was seen as a criticism of Trump\u2019s leadership in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump was angry at the criticism and said that Canada was taking advantage of the United States.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Did a Detroit billionaire lobby Washington before Trump\u2019s bridge threat?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"did-a-detroit-billionaire-lobby-washington-before-trumps-bridge-threat","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10382","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":10370,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_date_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_content":"\n In the speech he made at Davos during the World Economic Forum held in January this year, Trump seemed to compare Greenland and Iceland, which are two very different places. At one point, he claimed that European nations \u201care not there for us on Iceland,\u201d which shows he mixed up two very different places during a controversy regarding Greenland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further, it is worth noting that while Greenland is a semi-autonomy territory of Denmark with a population of around 56,000 inhabitants and significant mineral value to the Arctic region of the world, Iceland has a population of around 390,000 inhabitants and is an independent nation allied with NATO<\/a>. Such misstatement evoked complaints from European leaders who emphasized that \u201cGreenland belongs to its people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mr. Trump has long advocated the acquisition of Greenland by the US, even before his return to the White House. He stated the acquisition was a matter of national security in the wake of increased activity by both Russia and China in the region. The region is a prime geopolitical flashpoint due to the opening up of shipping routes by the ice cap and the presence of strategic minerals such as rare earth minerals, cobalt, and nickel used in defense technology and renewable energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the US Geological Survey, the region hosts an estimated 13 percent of the world's undiscovered oil reserves and 30 percent of the world's undiscovered natural gas. China considers itself a \u201cnear-Arctic state\u201d and has built up its infrastructure; Russia has expanded its military bases and icebreaker fleet. Against the backdrop of such strategic tensions, Trump's comments may be seen as part of a larger US national<\/a> concern about the region \u2013 with his apparent geographical errors fostering an air of uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White House Press Secretary<\/a> Karoline Leavitt denied the accusation that the former President had inaccurately called Greenland by the incorrect name of Iceland. His false attribution of the two locations does not seem to have been admitted by the administration. It makes one wonder if his foreign policy is guided by purely political considerations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a report from The Bulwark, Iceland\u2019s ambassador to the United States, Svanhildur H\u00f3lm Valsd\u00f3ttir, has hired the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent them in matters of engagement with the US government. The US Department of Justice filing disclosed this as a contracting agreement for six months at a rate of $150,000 for a monthly retainer of $25,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The firm is expected to bring Icelandic officials into contact with U.S. policymakers and to help policymakers navigate what emerging policies may look like, reflecting a sense of concern that U.S. rhetoric may eventually have unforeseen consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although there is nothing in the filing that explicitly connects the lobbying effort with Trump's Davos speech, the timing is suspicious. The agreement was finalized just days after Trump's speech, as well as remarks by Trump's ambassador nominee to Iceland, Billy Long, in which the representative joked that Iceland could be the \"52nd state.\"<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long later explained the remark, saying it had been intended as a joke; however, from an analytical standpoint, such comments contribute to an environment of ambiguity for the small countries of the Arctic, who are already apprehensive about the great power rivalry in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the case of Iceland and the rest of the Nordic countries, the US rhetoric on the issue of territorial gain, particularly in the context of military rivalry, is not merely empty rhetoric because of the strategic position of the island regarding NATO infrastructure<\/a>, as well as its position, which can define the GIUK gap, an important naval chokepoint between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suggestions of territorial ambition or geopolitical confusion will unsettle alliances and erode trust between NATO partners, who are now considered to be at their most cohesive and necessary in resisting Russian and Chinese gains.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Reykjav\u00edk hires DC lobbyist after Trump mixes up Greenland and Iceland","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"reykjavik-hires-lobbyist-over-trumps-iceland-greece-mix-up","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:16","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10370","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}],"next":false,"prev":true,"total_page":2},"paged":1,"column_class":"jeg_col_2o3","class":"epic_block_3"};
Shortly after Lutnick\u2019s conversation with Trump, the president threatened to block the bridge\u2019s scheduled opening later this year unless Canada addressed a series of grievances. Trump accused Canada of exploiting the United States and criticized its renewed trade ties with China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a social media post, Trump suggested the United States might seek ownership of \u201cat least one half\u201d of the bridge and a share of toll revenues, though it remains unclear how his administration could legally prevent the bridge from opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The bridge threats are the latest in a series of escalations between the United States and Canada, one of the United States\u2019 closest allies and largest trading partners. Since taking office, Trump has challenged the sovereignty of Canada and imposed tariffs on important sectors such as steel, lumber, and autos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The United States, Canada, and Mexico are set to renegotiate their free trade agreement, which has been in place for many years, and this is expected to be contentious given Trump\u2019s tariff stance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump is opposed to the bridge because Canada is the one that controls what goes over the bridge and owns land on both sides of the bridge. She also expressed her disapproval of the use of foreign materials in the construction of the bridge and stated that Trump\u2019s position on the bridge is in the best interest of America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis is just another example of President Trump putting America\u2019s interest first,\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Leavitt said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed that he did speak with Trump and explained that the Canadian government did pay for the bridge, although the ownership will be split with the state of Michigan. Carney said that the bridge is a symbol of cooperation between the two countries and that he looks forward to its opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Democrats were critical of Trump\u2019s position, claiming that he is taking the side of big money against workers. Representative Debbie Dingell of Michigan said that this incident shows how billionaires get to shape policy that ends up hurting the people who voted for Trump.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During his first term, Trump publicly supported the bridge as a vital economic link between the United States and Canada. His reversal underscores the shifting tone of his second-term foreign and trade policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump and Carney <\/a>had a stable relationship at first, but things escalated after Carney\u2019s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Carney said that the world order led by the U.S. was going through an \u201cirreversible rupture\u201d and called for the middle powers to come together, which was seen as a criticism of Trump\u2019s leadership in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trump was angry at the criticism and said that Canada was taking advantage of the United States.<\/p>\n","post_title":"Did a Detroit billionaire lobby Washington before Trump\u2019s bridge threat?","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"did-a-detroit-billionaire-lobby-washington-before-trumps-bridge-threat","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_modified_gmt":"2026-02-14 17:49:27","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/dctransparency.com\/?p=10382","menu_order":0,"post_type":"post","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":10370,"post_author":"7","post_date":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_date_gmt":"2026-02-11 16:36:15","post_content":"\n In the speech he made at Davos during the World Economic Forum held in January this year, Trump seemed to compare Greenland and Iceland, which are two very different places. At one point, he claimed that European nations \u201care not there for us on Iceland,\u201d which shows he mixed up two very different places during a controversy regarding Greenland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Further, it is worth noting that while Greenland is a semi-autonomy territory of Denmark with a population of around 56,000 inhabitants and significant mineral value to the Arctic region of the world, Iceland has a population of around 390,000 inhabitants and is an independent nation allied with NATO<\/a>. Such misstatement evoked complaints from European leaders who emphasized that \u201cGreenland belongs to its people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Iceland Turns to Washington Lobbyists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Iceland Turns to Washington Lobbyists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
White House Denial and Political Damage Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland Turns to Washington Lobbyists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
White House Denial and Political Damage Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland Turns to Washington Lobbyists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
White House Denial and Political Damage Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland Turns to Washington Lobbyists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Trump\u2019s Greenland Ambitions and Arctic Geopolitics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
White House Denial and Political Damage Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland Turns to Washington Lobbyists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Trump\u2019s Greenland Ambitions and Arctic Geopolitics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
White House Denial and Political Damage Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland Turns to Washington Lobbyists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Trump\u2019s Greenland Ambitions and Arctic Geopolitics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
White House Denial and Political Damage Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland Turns to Washington Lobbyists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Trump\u2019s Greenland Ambitions and Arctic Geopolitics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
White House Denial and Political Damage Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland Turns to Washington Lobbyists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Trump\u2019s Greenland Ambitions and Arctic Geopolitics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
White House Denial and Political Damage Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland Turns to Washington Lobbyists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Has Political Tension Between Trump and Carney Escalated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Trump\u2019s Greenland Ambitions and Arctic Geopolitics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
White House Denial and Political Damage Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland Turns to Washington Lobbyists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Has Political Tension Between Trump and Carney Escalated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Trump\u2019s Greenland Ambitions and Arctic Geopolitics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
White House Denial and Political Damage Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland Turns to Washington Lobbyists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Did Trump Previously Support the Gordie Howe Bridge?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Has Political Tension Between Trump and Carney Escalated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Trump\u2019s Greenland Ambitions and Arctic Geopolitics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
White House Denial and Political Damage Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland Turns to Washington Lobbyists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Did Trump Previously Support the Gordie Howe Bridge?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Has Political Tension Between Trump and Carney Escalated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Trump\u2019s Greenland Ambitions and Arctic Geopolitics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
White House Denial and Political Damage Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland Turns to Washington Lobbyists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Did Trump Previously Support the Gordie Howe Bridge?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Has Political Tension Between Trump and Carney Escalated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Trump\u2019s Greenland Ambitions and Arctic Geopolitics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
White House Denial and Political Damage Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland Turns to Washington Lobbyists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
How Have U.S. and Canadian Leaders Responded?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Did Trump Previously Support the Gordie Howe Bridge?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Has Political Tension Between Trump and Carney Escalated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Trump\u2019s Greenland Ambitions and Arctic Geopolitics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
White House Denial and Political Damage Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland Turns to Washington Lobbyists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
How Have U.S. and Canadian Leaders Responded?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Did Trump Previously Support the Gordie Howe Bridge?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Has Political Tension Between Trump and Carney Escalated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Trump\u2019s Greenland Ambitions and Arctic Geopolitics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
White House Denial and Political Damage Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland Turns to Washington Lobbyists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
How Have U.S. and Canadian Leaders Responded?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Did Trump Previously Support the Gordie Howe Bridge?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Has Political Tension Between Trump and Carney Escalated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Trump\u2019s Greenland Ambitions and Arctic Geopolitics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
White House Denial and Political Damage Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland Turns to Washington Lobbyists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
How Have U.S. and Canadian Leaders Responded?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Did Trump Previously Support the Gordie Howe Bridge?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Has Political Tension Between Trump and Carney Escalated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Trump\u2019s Greenland Ambitions and Arctic Geopolitics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
White House Denial and Political Damage Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland Turns to Washington Lobbyists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
How Have U.S. and Canadian Leaders Responded?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Did Trump Previously Support the Gordie Howe Bridge?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Has Political Tension Between Trump and Carney Escalated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Trump\u2019s Greenland Ambitions and Arctic Geopolitics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
White House Denial and Political Damage Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland Turns to Washington Lobbyists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
What Is the White House\u2019s Position on the Bridge Dispute?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
How Have U.S. and Canadian Leaders Responded?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Did Trump Previously Support the Gordie Howe Bridge?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Has Political Tension Between Trump and Carney Escalated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Trump\u2019s Greenland Ambitions and Arctic Geopolitics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
White House Denial and Political Damage Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland Turns to Washington Lobbyists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
What Is the White House\u2019s Position on the Bridge Dispute?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
How Have U.S. and Canadian Leaders Responded?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Did Trump Previously Support the Gordie Howe Bridge?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Has Political Tension Between Trump and Carney Escalated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Trump\u2019s Greenland Ambitions and Arctic Geopolitics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
White House Denial and Political Damage Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland Turns to Washington Lobbyists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
What Is the White House\u2019s Position on the Bridge Dispute?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
How Have U.S. and Canadian Leaders Responded?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Did Trump Previously Support the Gordie Howe Bridge?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Has Political Tension Between Trump and Carney Escalated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Trump\u2019s Greenland Ambitions and Arctic Geopolitics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
White House Denial and Political Damage Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland Turns to Washington Lobbyists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Is This Another Flashpoint in U.S.-Canada Relations?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Is the White House\u2019s Position on the Bridge Dispute?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
How Have U.S. and Canadian Leaders Responded?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Did Trump Previously Support the Gordie Howe Bridge?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Has Political Tension Between Trump and Carney Escalated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Trump\u2019s Greenland Ambitions and Arctic Geopolitics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
White House Denial and Political Damage Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland Turns to Washington Lobbyists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Is This Another Flashpoint in U.S.-Canada Relations?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Is the White House\u2019s Position on the Bridge Dispute?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
How Have U.S. and Canadian Leaders Responded?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Did Trump Previously Support the Gordie Howe Bridge?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Has Political Tension Between Trump and Carney Escalated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Trump\u2019s Greenland Ambitions and Arctic Geopolitics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
White House Denial and Political Damage Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Iceland Turns to Washington Lobbyists<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Timing Raises Concerns Over US Intentions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Arctic Anxiety Among Smaller States<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Is This Another Flashpoint in U.S.-Canada Relations?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Is the White House\u2019s Position on the Bridge Dispute?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
How Have U.S. and Canadian Leaders Responded?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Did Trump Previously Support the Gordie Howe Bridge?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Has Political Tension Between Trump and Carney Escalated?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n