Iceland has summoned US Ambassador Billy Long after President Donald Trump shared a social-media map depicting Iceland and several other countries and territories as part of an expanded United States.
The map, posted by Trump on Truth Social without an accompanying explanation, shows the US flag covering the United States, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. The entire landmass is labelled “United States of America”.
Icelandic Foreign Minister Thorgerdur Gunnarsdottir called Long to the foreign ministry on Monday. According to Iceland’s public broadcaster RUV, Reykjavik told the ambassador that the post was “completely inappropriate”. Long formally assumed his position in Iceland only last month.
Trump Map Sparks Diplomatic Row
The post has created a fresh diplomatic headache for Washington at a time when Trump's territorial ambitions have already strained relations with European allies.
The White House has not publicly explained the purpose of the map. The US State Department, US embassies in Copenhagen and Reykjavik, and the US consulate in Nuuk had not immediately responded to requests for comment, according to Reuters.
For Iceland, the appearance of its territory under the American flag is particularly sensitive because the country is a sovereign NATO member and has long maintained close security ties with the United States.
Greenland Remains Central Issue
The map also comes against the backdrop of Trump's repeated demands for the United States to acquire Greenland, the autonomous territory of Denmark.
Trump's campaign for control of Greenland has already caused tensions between Washington and Copenhagen, despite Denmark and the United States being NATO allies. Greenland's strategic location and Arctic resources have been central to the debate.
The latest map therefore comes at a particularly sensitive moment in US-European relations, even if it does not itself constitute a formal territorial claim.
Canada And Mexico Included
Trump's latest post goes beyond Greenland and Iceland. The map appears to depict almost the whole of North America, including Canada and Mexico, as well as Central America and much of the Caribbean.
Trump has previously floated the idea of Canada becoming the 51st US state, while his administration has also engaged in difficult diplomatic and trade disputes with Mexico.
The latest imagery therefore adds to a pattern of provocative geographical and political messaging from the president.
Iceland Caught In Wider Tensions
Iceland has found itself increasingly drawn into the broader European debate over US policy under Trump.
The country recently voted against reopening negotiations on European Union membership. Concerns about Washington's reliability under Trump were among the arguments made by some supporters of closer EU ties, although analysts said domestic economic considerations played a larger role in the referendum.
The Trump map appeared shortly after the European Commission announced a €200 million investment in Greenland during European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's visit.
Map Adds To Expansionist Messaging
Trump has increasingly used maps and social-media imagery to promote territorial and geographical ideas.
On September 7, he shared maps promoting the idea of changing the name of the US state of New Mexico to “New America”. The US federal government does not have authority to rename a state, while New Mexico's governor rejected the proposal.
These posts have blurred the line between political messaging, online provocation and formal policy positions.
The Iceland map similarly does not amount to evidence that Washington has formally claimed Iceland or the other territories shown.
Europe Watches US Intentions
The diplomatic reaction in Reykjavik highlights how Trump's territorial rhetoric is being interpreted beyond the United States.
For European governments, the Greenland issue has already raised questions about Washington's approach to sovereignty and the reliability of traditional transatlantic relationships.
Iceland's decision to summon the American ambassador signals that even imagery without an accompanying policy announcement can carry diplomatic consequences.
What Happens Next
The immediate dispute is likely to remain focused on the meaning and intent of Trump's post rather than any formal US territorial action.
Iceland has made clear that it considers the depiction inappropriate, while Washington has yet to provide a public explanation for the image.
The episode nevertheless adds another layer to tensions surrounding Greenland, Canada and broader US-European relations. With Trump's administration already pursuing an assertive approach to territorial and geopolitical issues, European allies are likely to scrutinise similar statements and maps closely.
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