An extraordinary text message exchange between Donald Trump and Norway’s prime minister has revealed that the US president no longer feels an obligation to think purely of peace after being denied the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump made the comments as he again declined to rule out seizing Greenland by force, intensifying tensions with Denmark over the Arctic territory.
The disclosure of the exchange with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre comes amid a concerted push by Trump to take control of Greenland, a largely self-governing part of Denmark. In recent weeks, Trump has said the US would seize the island “one way or the other” and declared on social media: “Now it is time, and it will be done!!!”
On Monday, Trump told NBC News he would “100%” push ahead with plans to impose tariffs on US allies, and directly blamed Norway for denying him the Nobel prize. “Norway totally controls it despite what they say. They like to say they have nothing to do with it, but they have everything to do with it,” he stated.
The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, an independent five-member body whose members are appointed by Norway’s parliament. The committee’s decisions are separate from the government, a distinction often emphasised by Norwegian officials.
Trump’s remarks have heightened global concerns over his expansionist ambitions in the Arctic, with Denmark and other allies closely monitoring the situation. The president’s linking of the Nobel snub to his geopolitical strategy marks a significant shift in tone from previous administrations.
