Norwegian PM to Trump: The Nobel Prize is not awarded by our government, but by an Independent Committee

(Patria) - US President Donald Trump linked his aggressive stance towards Greenland with last year's decision not to award him the Nobel Peace Prize.

In a message sent to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Trump wrote that he no longer feels "obligated to think solely of peace".

Trump's message to Støre further escalated the conflict between Washington and its closest allies over Trump's threats to take over Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark.

On Saturday, Trump announced the imposition of 10 percent tariffs on imports from eight countries that sided with Denmark and Greenland, with the measure expected to take effect in February.

These countries issued strong condemnation, but British Prime Minister Keir Starmer attempted to de-escalate the situation.

Although the White House has not ruled out the possibility of taking over the strategically important Arctic region by force, Starmer said he does not believe military action will occur.

"I think this can be resolved and should be resolved through calm discussion," Starmer said.

Despite this, Trump's message to the Norwegian Prime Minister could further jeopardize already strained relations between the US and Europe, burdened by disagreements over the end of the nearly four-year war in Ukraine, previous rounds of tariffs, military spending, and migration policy.

Tensions have further escalated in recent days. Over the weekend, thousands of Greenland residents protested against any attempts to take over the island.

Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stated on Facebook yesterday that the tariff threats would not change their stance. "We will not succumb to pressure," he emphasized.

At the same time, Naaja Nathanielsen, Greenland's Minister of Economy, Minerals, Energy, Justice and Equality, told the Associated Press that she was encouraged by the swift reaction of allies to the tariff threats, stating that it shows countries understand that "this is about something bigger than just Greenland".

The message Trump sent to Støre, published by the Norwegian government, stated, among other things:

"Given that your country decided not to award me the Nobel Peace Prize for stopping eight or more wars, I no longer feel obligated to think solely of peace, although it will always be paramount, but now I can think about what is good and right for the US."

The message concludes with the sentence: "The world will not be safe if we do not have complete and total control over Greenland."



The Norwegian Prime Minister confirmed that Trump's message was a response to an earlier message sent by him and Finnish President Alexander Stubb to Trump, in which they expressed opposition to the announced tariffs, warned of the need to de-escalate tensions, and suggested a phone call.

"Norway's position on Greenland is clear. Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and Norway fully supports Denmark on this issue. As for the Nobel Peace Prize, I have clearly explained, including to President Trump, what is common knowledge - the prize is awarded by an independent Nobel Committee, not by the Norwegian government," Støre stated yesterday.

He added that he still believes it is wise to talk and expressed hope that he would speak with Trump this week in Davos.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee is an independent body whose five members are appointed by the Norwegian Parliament.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent defended Trump's approach to Greenland during a brief conversation with reporters in Davos, where the World Economic Forum is being held this week.

"I think it's complete nonsense to claim that the President is doing this because of the Nobel Prize," Bessent asserted.

He emphasized that Trump views Greenland as a strategic resource for the United States: "We will not cede the security of our hemisphere to anyone else."

Trump openly coveted the Nobel Peace Prize, which the committee awarded last year to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado.

Last week, Machado presented her Nobel medal to Trump, who said he planned to keep it, although the Nobel Committee stated that the prize cannot be revoked, transferred, or shared with others.