Støre confirmed he had received a letter from Trump in which the US president raised concerns about not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize and reiterated his views on Greenland. In a formal statement, the Norwegian prime minister said the Nobel Peace Prize is decided solely by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, an independent body appointed by parliament, and that the government does not influence its decisions.
Trump, speaking to reporters on Monday, dismissed the clarification and questioned Norway’s lack of control over the prize. “If anyone thinks Norway doesn’t control the Nobel, that’s a joke,” he said, adding that he no longer thinks about the award. Trump again claimed credit for preventing or ending multiple conflicts, including tensions between India and Pakistan in May, asserting that he had “stopped eight wars.”
The exchange unfolded alongside escalating rhetoric on trade and geopolitics. Trump threatened to impose a 200% tariff on French wine and champagne after France declined to join a proposed international “Board of Peace” linked to Gaza’s reconstruction. Asked why the French president was not part of the initiative, Trump said the threat might not even be necessary, suggesting political change in France was imminent.
Greenland remained a central point of contention. Trump repeated his assertion that US control of the Arctic island is essential for national and global security, arguing that Denmark cannot adequately defend it against growing Russian and Chinese activity. Støre responded by reaffirming Norway’s support for Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland and stressing that NATO must act responsibly to maintain stability in the Arctic region.
Trump also said he had discussed Greenland with NATO leadership and claimed broad agreement on its strategic importance. He has repeatedly linked the issue to alliance burden-sharing, arguing that the US has done more for NATO than any other member.
The dispute comes against the backdrop of Trump’s renewed focus on international diplomacy. He recently announced the formation of governance and oversight bodies for Gaza’s reconstruction and said invitations had been extended to several world leaders to join the proposed peace board.
While Trump has long expressed disappointment over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, Norway’s government has consistently maintained that it plays no role in the decision. The latest exchange underscores growing diplomatic friction as Trump combines foreign policy ambitions with sharp rhetoric on allies, trade, and global security.
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