President Donald Trump has linked a perceived snub over the Nobel Peace Prize to his intensified efforts to acquire Greenland, telling Norway's prime minister that he no longer feels bound solely by peaceful intentions. In a text message, Trump threatened tariffs on several European nations to pressure Denmark into a deal, heightening transatlantic tensions. European leaders and U.S. lawmakers have responded with calls for de-escalation and warnings of risks to NATO.
President Donald Trump sent a pointed text message to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre on Sunday, January 18, 2026, criticizing Norway for not awarding him the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize, which went to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. "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," Trump wrote. He added, "The World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland."
The message responded to a earlier text from Støre and Finland's President Alexander Stubb, who opposed Trump's proposed tariff increases on eight European countries amid the Greenland dispute and suggested a joint call to de-escalate. Støre confirmed the exchange and clarified that the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by an independent five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee, not the 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, while endorsing NATO's responsible steps to bolster Arctic security.
Trump's rhetoric follows his Saturday Truth Social post announcing 10% tariffs on imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland starting February 1, rising to 25% on June 1, until a deal for U.S. purchase of Greenland is reached. He questioned Denmark's historical claim, saying, "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."
The push has sparked backlash. A joint statement from the eight NATO allies condemned the tariffs as undermining transatlantic relations and risking a "dangerous downward spiral." The EU plans an emergency summit on Thursday, with foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stating the bloc has "no interest to pick a fight" but will "hold our ground."
In the U.S., a bipartisan congressional delegation visited Denmark last week to reassure officials, meeting Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic politicians. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) emphasized, "Greenland is a part of Denmark. Denmark is our NATO ally. That should be the end of this discussion." Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) urged avoiding partisanship, while protests in Copenhagen drew thousands with signs reading "Yankee go home" and "Greenland not for sale."
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly affirmed Greenland's strategic importance for national security against Arctic threats from Russia and China. In an NBC interview, Trump reiterated tariff plans and dodged questions on using force, saying "No comment." Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed concerns on NBC's "Meet the Press," calling the "fight for the Arctic... real" and praising U.S. strength.
