Iceland’s First Gentleman Declines White House Ceremony

2026-02-27 - 10:15

Björn Skúlason, the husband of Iceland’s President Halla Tómasdóttir, will not attend a forthcoming White House gathering hosted by US First Lady Melania Trump, as reported by RÚV. The event, scheduled for 24–25 March, marks the formal launch of “Fostering the Future Together”, an initiative introduced by Trump during last year’s United Nations General Assembly in New York. What's the Story? Björn Skúlason declined invitation to White House launch of “Fostering the Future Together” on 24–25 March Initiative introduced by Melania Trump at the United Nations General Assembly last September Spouses of Norwegian and Finnish leaders also confirmed they will not attend Melania Trump. Photo: DoD News. Wikimedia Commons. Public Domain. Nordic Invitations Declined The White House describes the project as a global effort focused on children’s wellbeing through education, innovation and technology. In response to a media enquiry, the President’s Office confirmed that an invitation had been received. It stated that Björn “does not see himself in a position to accept the invitation.” The gathering is intended to bring together spouses of heads of state and government. However, similar decisions have been taken elsewhere in the Nordic region. Marit Slagsvold, wife of Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, and Suzanne Innes-Stubb, wife of Finnish President Alexander Stubb, have also declined to participate. No public confirmation has been issued regarding whether Bo Tengberg, husband of Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, or Birgitta Ed, wife of Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, will attend. More on Icelandic political affairs is available in Iceland Review’s politics coverage.