Trump's Claims on What the US Has Done for Sweden: Debunking the Myths

President Donald Trump often harkens back to the strong historical ties between the United States and Sweden especially in his more recent Twitter posts where he admonishes the Prime Minister of Sweden for not advocating for the American president. The context of his claims, however, often falls flat, leading to amusement more than substance. Let's explore what the United States has actually done for Sweden and what Trump might be referencing.

Myth Busting: What the US Has (and Hasn't) Done for Sweden

When Trump talks about the US doing "wonderful things" for Sweden, he is likely rehashing the idea that American influence and support have long benefitted the Scandinavian nation.

1. Tasteless Hamburgers and Primitively Rustic Cars

While he might be nostalgic for the taste of hamburgers and the sight of 'thousands of lovely old vintage Chevrolets' cars made from recycled railway bridges in reality American fast food and vehicles have not always been a top priority for Swedes. In fact, Swedish car manufacturers like Volvo and Saab have a proud history, and arguably superior models compared to many American vehicles.

As one Swedish citizen humorously noted, 'a Willy’s Jeep and even a corvette is rather noisy and uncomfortable compared to a Volvo C30 or a Caterham.' This reflects how traditional American fast food and vehicles might be seen as second-rate by some Swedish consumers.

2. ABBA and European Music Festivals

Trump also mentioned ABBA, thanking Sweden for their contribution to world music. Indeed, ABBA's success helped promote Swedish music and pop culture, but this is more about artistic influence and less about direct economic or political aid.

3. Swedish Protection in North Korea

One of the more obscure points Trump made was about the United States being a protected power by Sweden in North Korea. This refers to a unique diplomatic role that Sweden plays as an intermediary between the United States and North Korea.

Swedish Diplomacy in North Korea: When American citizens, including tourists, are arrested in North Korea, Sweden, as the 'protecting power' for the U.S. in that country, intervenes to help resolve these legal and human rights issues. This role is diplomatic, not political, and is a longstanding practice among neutral nations serving as protecting powers for others in hostile diplomatic environments.

Contrast with US President's Claims: Trump seems to misunderstand or misinterpret this role. His tweet suggests a level of political involvement or influence that doesn't align with the actual responsibilities of a protecting power. For instance, any direct US political intervention in such matters would be considered a breach of U.S. and Swedish constitutions and international law.

4. Cultural Exchange and Backlash

Beyond the diplomatic role, Trump's comments also represent a broader cultural exchange and economic relationship. While he may benefit economically from Swedish imports like fish and ABBA records, the cultural influence of American fast food and car brands has not always been enthusiastically embraced by Sweden.

The backlash to Trump's tweets reflects a growing sense of cultural pride among Swedes, as evidenced by comments like, 'Mind you it’s a bit like buying brie and thanking France but since someone asked…' This sentiment encapsulates a shift in how Swedes view their own cultural and economic contributions, challenging the narrative of American dominance in their lives.

Conclusion: The Complexity of Swedish-US Relations

Trump's claims about what the United States has done for Sweden touch on a complex web of cultural, economic, and political ties. While some elements of American influence have indeed had a lasting impact, the relationship is far more nuanced than a simplistic narrative of American superiority.

The American emphasis on historical ties, such as the diplomatic role of Sweden in North Korea and cultural exports like ABBA, are part of a broader conversation about the interdependencies of nations. However, Swedes are also becoming more conscious of their own contributions and the ways in which they shape global culture and politics.

Further Reading

Swedish Diplomatic Role in North Korea ABBA's Impact on Swedish Cultural Export Myth Busting: Swedish vs American Cars