Trump’s “Rake‑Talk” Takes Finland by Storm
In a memorable Florida‑fest, U.S. President Donald Trump overloaded the tongues of Finns with his forest‑raking claim. The article that sparked the frenzy reports that the former president was on the news trail while visiting California to watch the huge wildfire crisis. He told reporters that a bit of sweep‑and‑broom could keep blaze in check, and then, cheekily, pointed to Finland as the hero nation.
Why Finns Are All “Rake‑Nation”
- Trump quoted one Finnish official saying, “Finns spend a lot of time on raking and cleaning in the forest, and they don’t have a problem.”
- Finnish President Sauli Niinistö refused to confess to the raking mumbo‑jumbo. He told the Ilta‑Sanomat that the claim never came up in their Paris talk.
- He pointed out Finland’s advanced warning system as the real fire‑fighting secret.
Social Media Goes “Rake‑Party”
Finnens flocked online to clap back. People called it “rake news,” and a stockpile of photos emerged—Finns holding rakes with wild pride. By the weekend, hashtags like #Rakke and #RakeTime were blazing hotter than any wildfire on the charts.
What the Forestry Experts Say
Yrjo Niskanen, the top emergency planner at Finland’s national forest centre, clarified that the single‑handed raking refers more to clearing fallen branches after logging—nothing to do with a garden rake. The wood is then a fuel source for power plants.
“I’ve never thought that it could be removed because of fire risk. That’s not in the forestry manuals,” Niskanen said. “It’s done purely for business reasons.”
Bottom Line
While Trump may have tried to swap wildfire science with yard work, the Finnish answer is clear: robust forests, smart prep gear, and a vigilant network keep the blaze at bay. The raking fun remains—just don’t forget it’s all tech, not tinsel.
