This week, President Donald Trump caused a major uproar with a letter to Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, linking his push to take Greenland to last year’s missed Nobel Peace Prize. The letter, first reported by PBS, immediately alarmed European allies and NATO officials.
In the note, Trump wrote, “Dear Jonas: 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, although it will always be predominant, but can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America.”
He escalated further on Greenland:
“Denmark cannot protect that land from Russia or China, and why do they have a ‘right of ownership’ anyway? There are no written documents; it’s only that a boat landed there hundreds of years ago, but we had boats landing there, also. I have done more for NATO than any other person since its founding, and now, NATO should do something for the United States. The World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland. Thank you! President DJT.”
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The letter was forwarded to multiple European ambassadors in Washington, fueling alarm across the continent. Støre responded firmly, confirming he received the message and emphasizing calm. “Norway’s position on Greenland is clear. Greenland is a part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and Norway fully supports the Kingdom of Denmark on this matter,” he said.
Støre also reminded Trump that the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by an independent committee, not the Norwegian government. “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,” he added.
Støre noted that Norway had already opposed Trump’s planned tariffs on Norway, Finland, and other European nations. He also highlighted that Trump chose to share his letter with other NATO leaders, further inflaming tensions.
Trump’s Greenland demand shows how personal grievances now drive his policy. By tying territorial ambitions to past praise and a Nobel snub, he risks destabilizing international relations.
Featured image via X screengrab
