The White House welcomed the five Nordic nations of Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Sweden and Norway to its 12th state dinner Friday night for what was a celebration of democratic principles and appreciation for President Obama in his final year in office.
The leaders of Denmark and Iceland toasted Obama and celebrated his accomplishments during the summit’s formal dinner, declaring him the quintessential commander in chief.
“Speaking of taking the lead, speaking of leadership, it is easy to see the importance and value of your leadership, Mr. President,” Lars Lokke Rasmussen, prime minister of Denmark, said. “So without interfering in American politics, I can truly and without a doubt say that you have been the best president you have ever had.”
Rasmussen told the 350 guests, including a number of American celebrities in attendance, that Obama represents “a dream for millions of Americans” and applauded his enactment of a national health care program and lighting the White House in rainbow colors following the Supreme Court decision to allow same-sex marriages in every state.
Prime minister of Iceland, Sigurdur Ingi Johansson, also praised Obama for the victories he has had during his seven years in office.
“As we near the end of your time in office, Mr. President, I would like to use this opportunity to commend your leadership, not least on the challenges of climate change, the conclusion of the Paris climate agreement, and on the Arctic,” Johansson said.
Rasmussen shocked attendees for a brief minute when he turned the focus of his remarks to the 2016 U.S. presidential election. He touted “The Donald” as a man he was very fond of supporting.
“Now your presidency is coming to an end and I have something to admit. I’m very fond of the Donald, too. I support him as president,” Rasmuseen said. “He’s pretty smart, shows great leadership skills, a true visionary. And I’m, of course, talking about Donald Tusk, who is President of the European Council, which, in your absence, is the best President you could have.”
Following 16 straight days of rain and overcast weather in Washington, D.C., a sudden break into sunshine allowed the 9 p.m. dinner to take place on the South Lawn of the White House, under an expansive white tent.
Finland President Sauli Niinisto, Norway President Erna Solberg and Sweden Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, as well as the representatives from Iceland and Denmark joined the president at the head table.
Guests were treated to a Rene Redzepi-style dinner menu, a tribute to the internationally-known Noma in Copenhagen, Denmark. Chefs delivered the guests three dinner courses: Atlantic tuna over a salad of items from the White House garden, tender beef short ribs from Nebraska and a dessert shaped like a fishing boat, in honor of the “many species of fish living in surrounding waters,” according to a White House pool reporter’s description.
Rasmussen joked about the feast in his post-dinner remarks.
“The first time you invited me into the Oval Office, Mr. President, you said that Denmark is punching above our weight … And that’s probably why we are all invited here tonight, because we punch above our weight. And we will continue to do so. And after tonight’s splendid dinner, we will definitely step up into a whole new weight class,” the Denmark leader quipped.
The evening concluded with a performance of “Stone Cold” by American pop singer Demi Lovato.
