Trump Links Greenland Demand to Nobel Snub, Declaring He Is No Longer Bound by Peace

2026-01-19 global

Oslo, Monday, 19 January 2026.
Citing his exclusion from the Nobel Peace Prize despite claiming to end “8 Wars PLUS,” President Trump told Norway he is no longer obligated to prioritize peace, intensifying Greenland demands.

Diplomatic Escalation via Text Message

In a direct communication sent on Sunday, January 18, President Trump explicitly linked his administration’s territorial ambitions in Greenland to his exclusion from the Nobel Peace Prize [1]. The text message, received by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and confirmed by European officials on Monday, articulated a shift in the President’s diplomatic posture. Trump stated that because Norway “decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS,” he no longer felt an obligation to “think purely of Peace” [1][2]. Instead, the President asserted he is now free to prioritize what is “good and proper for the United States,” specifically arguing that global security cannot be ensured unless America assumes “Complete and Total Control of Greenland” [1][3].

Economic Coercion and European Pushback

This diplomatic flare-up follows a tangible economic threat issued by the President on January 17. Trump announced plans to impose a 10% tariff on exports from eight European nations—including Denmark, Norway, the United Kingdom, and Germany—scheduled to take effect on February 1 [7]. The administration has indicated these levies could rise to 25% by June if the United States is unable to purchase Greenland [3]. In response, European Union diplomats held crisis talks on January 18 to formulate a defense strategy, which may include a retaliatory “trade bazooka” targeting the U.S. with approximately £81 billion in tariffs [3][7].

The Nobel Controversy

Prime Minister Støre addressed the President’s grievances by reiterating the structural independence of the Nobel Committee. In a public statement, Støre noted that he has “clearly explained to Trump what is well known,” emphasizing that the prize is awarded by an independent body appointed by the Norwegian parliament, not by the government itself [1][2]. The President’s renewed focus on the award coincides with a recent event at the White House on January 15, where Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presented Trump with her 2025 Nobel Peace Prize medal [7]. Trump accepted the gesture as recognition for his work, describing Machado as a “wonderful woman” [2][6].

Strategic Ambitions and Arctic Stability

President Trump has justified his pressure campaign by claiming that Denmark is unable to protect Greenland from Chinese and Russian influence, asserting that there are “no written documents” validating Denmark’s claim to the territory [1][3]. However, this push for control faces significant hurdles. Protests against the acquisition occurred in Nuuk, Greenland, on January 17, demonstrating local opposition [3]. Domestically, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski has warned that Congress retains the “power of the purse” and could utilize legislative tools to block funding for any potential purchase of the island [4].

Sources

Geopolitics Arctic Security