Trump tells Norway’s leader he no longer feels bound to “think purely of peace” after missing Nobel Peace Prize and ties it to US bid for Greenland control.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store confirmed that he received the message and responded firmly that Norway has no role in deciding Nobel Peace Prize winners. (Photo: NYT)
In a rare diplomatic flare-up, US President Donald Trump directly tied his push for control of Greenland to not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in a message to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, according to multiple news reports.
Trump’s comments have rattled longtime allies in Europe, sparked debate about Arctic security, and raised concerns about rising trade tensions between the United States and its NATO partners.
President Trump sent a blunt message to Mr. Store, linking his frustration over missing out on the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to his evolving stance on foreign policy and Greenland. In the text, Trump said, “Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace… The World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland.”
Trump’s message questioned Denmark’s ability to defend Greenland against Russia or China and argued the United States should take full control of the strategically important Arctic island.
Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store confirmed that he received the message and responded firmly that Norway has no role in deciding Nobel Peace Prize winners. He clarified, “I have clearly explained, including to President Trump, what is well known, the prize is awarded by an independent Nobel Committee and not the Norwegian Government.”
The store said Trump’s message came after he and Finnish President Alexander Stubb had written to Trump to oppose proposed US tariff hikes aimed at several European countries, supporting Denmark and Greenland.
Trump’s comments and aggressive push for Greenland have deepened splits with many of the United States’ closest allies:
The dispute has become one of the most serious transatlantic tensions in recent years, raising questions about NATO unity in the Arctic region.
A key point in this controversy is how the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded. The prize is not controlled by the Norwegian government but by a five-member committee appointed by the Norwegian Parliament. This independent body selects laureates based on its own criteria.
Trump’s message to Norway inaccurately attributes the prize decision to the Norwegian state, a detail Norwegian officials have repeatedly clarified.
The Greenland government and many residents have reacted strongly against any suggestion of transfer of control to the United States. Thousands protested the takeover threats and reaffirmed their desire for self-governance and respect under Danish sovereignty.
Meanwhile, discussions about Arctic security continue, with NATO allies emphasizing multilateral approaches rather than unilateral action.
Diplomats on both sides are watching closely as trade tensions escalate and discussions on Arctic strategy heat up. European leaders have called for calm dialogue, while some analysts warn that continued rhetoric and tariffs could have long-lasting consequences for international cooperation.
The crisis marks a defining moment in post-World War II Western alliances, centered on geopolitical interests, trade policy, and the significance of Arctic security in a changing global order.
