Listen to the article
President Trump has warned Norway’s Prime Minister that he no longer feels obligated to “think purely of peace” after being passed over for the Nobel Peace Prize, while asserting that the United States must have “complete and total control” of Greenland.
In a direct text message to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Trump expressed frustration over not receiving the Nobel accolade: “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.”
Støre confirmed the exchange to Fox News, clarifying that the Nobel Prize is awarded by an independent committee rather than the Norwegian government. “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,” Støre stated.
The diplomatic tension comes amid Trump’s intensifying campaign to acquire Greenland, the world’s largest island. His administration views the territory as strategically crucial for U.S. national security, particularly as climate change opens new Arctic shipping routes and expands the theater of great-power competition.
Trump has questioned Denmark’s claim to Greenland, arguing in his message to Støre that “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.”
The president has escalated pressure by announcing new tariffs against several European nations. Starting February 1, the U.S. will impose an additional 10% tariff on Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland. These tariffs will increase to 25% by June 1 if no agreement on Greenland’s acquisition is reached.
European Union officials met in Brussels on Sunday to discuss possible retaliatory measures, though diplomats emphasized the need for de-escalation first. The tariff threat has already strained relations with multiple NATO allies.
The diplomatic controversy intensified when Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, presented her award to Trump during a White House meeting Thursday. The Nobel Committee quickly issued a statement clarifying that “A laureate cannot share the prize with others, nor transfer it once it has been announced.”
U.S. defense officials have highlighted Greenland’s strategic importance for missile defense systems, early-warning installations, and Arctic surveillance. The administration has warned that both China and Russia are actively expanding their influence in the Arctic through various investments and military activities.
Despite Trump’s pressure campaign, both Greenland’s government and Denmark have firmly rejected any possibility of U.S. control over the territory. The United States already maintains a military presence in Greenland through Pituffik Space Base, which serves as a crucial hub for missile warning and space surveillance operations.
Trump has pointedly linked his Greenland demands to his support for NATO, stating in his message to Støre: “I have done more for NATO than any other person since its founding, and now, NATO should do something for the United States.”
While the president has not explicitly ruled out using military force to acquire Greenland, the increasingly aggressive rhetoric and economic pressure have raised concerns among residents of the island and throughout Europe about America’s intentions in the region.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
18 Comments
This seems like another attempt by the US to expand its global influence and control over strategic resources. While Greenland’s geostrategic location is undoubtedly important, any move to undermine Denmark’s sovereignty raises serious ethical concerns.
Well said. The US shouldn’t be so quick to disregard the rights and self-determination of indigenous populations, even in the name of national security.
This seems like another example of the US flexing its muscle to assert control over resources and territories. Greenland’s autonomous status within Denmark needs to be respected, not overridden for American interests.
Well said. The US should be promoting cooperation and self-determination, not unilaterally trying to expand its sphere of influence.
Greenland’s strategic location makes it understandably valuable, but the US shouldn’t disregard Denmark’s sovereignty or the rights of the Greenlandic people. Any attempt to forcibly annex the territory would be a dangerous precedent.
Agreed. The US needs to find a way to address its security concerns while respecting the autonomy and self-determination of Greenland and its people.
While Greenland’s strategic value is understandable, any attempt to forcibly acquire the territory would be a violation of Denmark’s sovereignty. The Greenlandic people should have the right to self-determination on their future.
Absolutely. Respecting the rights and wishes of indigenous populations is critical, even when geopolitical interests are at stake.
Trump’s combative approach to diplomacy, even with allies, is deeply concerning. Undermining Norway over a Nobel Prize snub and then aggressively pursuing control of Greenland sends the wrong message about American leadership.
Well said. The US should be a force for global stability and cooperation, not unilateral aggression and the pursuit of narrow interests.
This situation highlights the tension between geopolitical interests and respect for sovereignty and self-determination. The US should tread carefully and engage in good-faith negotiations with Denmark and Greenland, not make unilateral demands.
Exactly. Any resolution needs to carefully balance security concerns with the legitimate rights and wishes of the Greenlandic people.
Trump’s brash approach to foreign policy is concerning. Alienating allies like Norway over a Nobel Peace Prize snub is a concerning sign of his priorities. The US should be promoting peace and cooperation, not asserting dominance.
Agreed, his transactional view of diplomacy is troubling. The US needs to be a responsible global leader, not just pursue its own narrow interests.
Trump’s aggressive posturing towards Norway and Greenland is concerning. The US should be promoting peace, stability, and cooperation on the global stage, not asserting dominance and undermining its allies.
Well said. Diplomacy and respect for sovereignty should be the guiding principles, not unilateral demands and power plays.
Interesting move by Trump to push for greater US control over Greenland. While it may have strategic benefits, it raises concerns about sovereignty and self-determination for Greenlandic people. Curious to see how this diplomatic situation unfolds.
Agreed, the geopolitical implications here are complex. Greenland’s status as an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark adds an extra layer of nuance.