Finnish President Stubb Makes Surprise Visit to Florida, Strengthening U.S.-Finland Relations

West Palm Beach, Florida – March 31, 2025

In a surprising move, Finnish President Alexander Stubb traveled to Florida on Saturday to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The meeting aimed to enhance the bilateral relationship between the United States and Finland, focusing on various issues including national security and trade.

During the visit, Stubb and Trump enjoyed breakfast, played a round of golf, and had lunch together. Trump expressed enthusiasm for fortifying partnerships between the two nations, particularly regarding the development of icebreakers crucial for America’s Arctic strategy. "President Stubb and I look forward to strengthening the partnership between the United States and Finland, which includes the expedited purchase and development of much-needed icebreakers," Trump noted on his Truth Social platform.

The informal gathering included discussions about pressing foreign policy matters, notably the situation in Ukraine. President Stubb had engaged in talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy just the week before his trip to Florida, highlighting the ongoing concerns regarding geopolitics in Eastern Europe.

Details about Stubb’s surprise visit indicate that it coincided with Trump’s leisure activities at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, where he arrived on Friday. The two leaders shared a casual setting as they discussed icebreaker diplomacy and its significance in maintaining strong ties between Finland and the U.S. The Finnish president's office confirmed that the meeting was unplanned, but it underscores Stubb's initiative to engage with key international partners.

Senator Lindsey Graham, who joined Trump for the outing, praised Stubb’s golf skills, recalling his collegiate golf experience at Furman University in South Carolina. This endorsement reflects the camaraderie fostered during the meeting.

The context of this meeting is significant; it followed Vice President JD Vance's recent and controversial visit to Greenland, a territory of Denmark, where he criticized the local government's handling of safety issues. Trump has previously shown interest in the strategic implications of Greenland, fueling discussions on Arctic control amid intensifying global competition.

In addition, Finland's status as the world leader in icebreaker production cannot be overlooked. Approximately 80% of the world’s icebreakers have been designed by Finnish companies, and about 60% have been constructed in Finnish shipyards. These capabilities were underscored in a collaborative effort signed in November among Canada, Finland, and the Biden administration that aims to develop advanced Arctic icebreaker technology.

Finland plays a pivotal role in European security, particularly given its 1,340-kilometer border with Russia. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Finland shifted its defense policy from a position of military non-alignment to joining NATO alongside Sweden, prioritizing national security in a changing geopolitical landscape.

As Finland navigates its path within NATO and the broader European security framework, visits like Stubb's to the United States demonstrate the importance of international diplomacy in maintaining strategic alliances.

Conclusion

President Stubb's surprise visit to meet with Trump in Florida represents a significant step in enhancing U.S.-Finnish relations, marking a continued commitment to cooperation on security and defense issues. As both leaders expressed their intentions for joint efforts, the discussions held during this informal meeting could influence future diplomatic strategies, especially in the Arctic region.

Reporting by Andrea Shalal in Palm Beach, Ismail Shakil in Toronto, and Anne Kauranen in Helsinki.