Nobel awarded by independent committee: Norway PM responds to Trump’s message

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre confirmed on Monday that he had received a text message from US President Donald Trump on Sunday afternoon, in which Trump linked his demand to seize Greenland to frustration over not receiving the nobel peace prize.

In response, Støre stressed that the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded independently of Norway’s political leadership and that the Norwegian government has no influence over the selection process.

“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,” Støre said in a press release.

The Norwegian leader said the message came shortly after he and Finnish President Alexander Stubb contacted Trump to oppose proposed US tariff hikes against Norway, Finland, and other European countries linked to the Greenland dispute.

“I can confirm that this is a text message that I received yesterday afternoon from President Trump,” Støre said. “It came in response to a short text message from me sent earlier the same day, on behalf of myself and the President of Finland.”

TRUMP LINKS GREENLAND DEMAND TO NOBEL SNUB

According to Støre, the Nordic leaders had urged de-escalation and proposed a phone call with Trump to discuss the tariff threats. Trump’s response, however, shifted focus.

“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,” Trump wrote. He added that he would now focus on “what is good and proper for the United States of America.”

Trump then turned his attention to Greenland, the semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, which he has repeatedly said should be acquired by the United States.

“Denmark cannot protect that land from Russia or china,” Trump wrote, questioning Denmark’s claim over Greenland and asserting that US control was necessary for global security.

“The World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland,” he added.

NATO ROLE: NORWAY BACKS DENMARK

Støre said Trump had shared similar messages with other NATO leaders. He reiterated Norway’s position, rejected Trump’s assertions, and emphasized the importance of collective defense.

“Greenland is a part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and Norway fully supports the Kingdom of Denmark on this matter,” he said. “We also support that NATO, in a responsible way, is taking steps to strengthen security and stability in the Arctic.”

On Saturday, Trump announced that the United States would impose 10% tariffs on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Britain, the Netherlands, and Finland starting February 1.

He warned that the tariff rate would increase to 25% on June 1 if an agreement is not reached on what he described as the “complete and total purchase” of Greenland.