Trump thinks something terrible happened in Sweden, so here come the IKEA and ABBA jokes

ABBA dance party, anyone?
 By 
Maria Gallucci
 on 
Trump thinks something terrible happened in Sweden, so here come the IKEA and ABBA jokes
No Merchandising. Editorial Use Only Mandatory Credit: Photo by ITV/REX/Shutterstock (525489ko) 'The Muppet Show' - Swedish Chef - 1976 ITV ARCHIVE Credit: ITV/REX/Shutterstock

President Donald Trump has unintentionally turned the internet into one big celebration of Swedish pop culture.

The U.S. president on Saturday alluded to a terrorist-related event in Sweden that, as far as Swedes can tell, didn't actually happen.

"We’ve got to keep our country safe," he said Saturday during a campaign-style rally in Melbourne, Florida. Trump was defending his now-suspended travel ban and criticizing Europe's refugee policies.

"You look at what’s happening in Germany, you look at what’s happening last night in Sweden," Trump said. "Sweden, who would believe this?"

Twitter, as it does, responded with a wave of references to IKEA, meatballs, the Muppets character Swedish Chef, infectious '70s pop group ABBA and Swedish creation The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo.

Now we're hungry, hearing "Dancing Queen" in our head and anxious to assemble a Tockarp, or perhaps a Liatorp.

Topics Donald Trump

Mashable Image
Maria Gallucci

Maria Gallucci was a Science Reporter at Mashable. She was previously the energy and environment reporter at International Business Times; features editor of Makeshift magazine; clean economy reporter for InsideClimate News; and a correspondent in Mexico City until 2011. Maria holds degrees in journalism and Spanish from Ohio University's Honors Tutorial College.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You
How to watch Sweden vs. Italy in men's ice hockey online for free
Ice hockey goalkeeper

How to watch USA vs. Sweden in men's ice hockey online for free
Ice hockey player

How to watch Sweden vs. Poland online for free
Viktor Gyokeres of Sweden celebrates

Punch the monkey's emotional support plushie is from IKEA. Buy it before it sells out.
ikea stuffed orangutan on child's bedroom floor with toys


Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 4, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 4, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Google launches Gemma 4, a new open-source model: How to try it
Google Gemma

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!