Trump Links Greenland Seizure Threats to Nobel Snub in Letter

A private message from U.S. President Donald Trump to Norway’s Prime Minister has revealed a striking link between his long-standing frustration over the Nobel Peace Prize and his increasingly aggressive push to take control of Greenland.

A Letter Responding To Calls For De-Escalation

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre confirmed on Monday that he received a message from Trump over the weekend. The letter was sent in response to a joint outreach by Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who had urged de-escalation over rising tensions linked to Greenland and proposed a three-way phone call.

Instead of easing tensions, Trump used the message to express resentment over the Nobel Peace Prize, writing that Norway’s failure to award him the honor had altered his approach to global affairs.

“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, adding that peace would remain “predominant” but no longer exclusive.

Greenland Framed As A Security Imperative

In the same letter, Trump renewed his demand for U.S. control of Greenland, arguing that Denmark is unable to protect the territory from Russia or China and questioning Copenhagen’s historical claim to the island.

“The world is not secure unless we have complete and total control of Greenland,” Trump said, portraying the Arctic island as essential to U.S. and NATO security. He also claimed to have done more for NATO than any individual since its founding, arguing the alliance should now act in America’s interest.

Greenland, a sparsely populated but resource-rich Arctic territory under Danish sovereignty, is strategically located for missile early-warning systems and Arctic maritime monitoring.

Norway Distances Itself From Nobel Decision

Støre emphasized that Norway’s government plays no role in awarding the Nobel Peace Prize, which is decided by an independent committee appointed by parliament. Trump has openly campaigned for the prize for years, frequently claiming credit for ending or preventing multiple conflicts — assertions that have been challenged by fact-checkers.

This year’s Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. Although she later gifted her physical medal to Trump, the Nobel Committee clarified that the honor itself is not transferable.

Wider Fallout Across Europe

Trump’s letter comes amid escalating transatlantic tensions. Over the weekend, he announced plans to impose punitive tariffs starting February 1 on European countries opposing U.S. control of Greenland, prompting European Council President António Costa to call an emergency summit of EU leaders.

Despite Trump’s rhetoric, Nordic leaders reiterated their call for dialogue and restraint, warning that economic pressure and threats of force risk undermining NATO unity and stability in the Arctic region.