Washington/Oslo, Jan 19: US President Donald Trump has informed Norway’s Prime Minister that he no longer feels a “pure” obligation to pursue peace after being overlooked for the Nobel Peace Prize, marking a sharp escalation in the diplomatic crisis over Greenland. The communication, sent to Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, ties the American leader’s frustration with the Norwegian Nobel Committee to his ongoing efforts to gain control of the strategic Arctic territory.
The standoff intensified following Trump’s announcement of a 10 percent import tax on eight nations, including Norway, as a means to force negotiations over Greenland. This territory remains a self-governing part of the Kingdom of Denmark. While European allies have rallied to support Danish sovereignty, the White House has notably refused to rule out the use of force to secure the island.
“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 in the message, which was first reported by PBS and later forwarded to several European ambassadors. He added that the world is not secure without “Complete and Total Control of Greenland.”
Store confirmed the receipt of the message on Monday, noting it was a response to his own outreach alongside Finnish President Alexander Stubb. The Prime Minister sought to clarify the independence of the Nobel selection process, which is handled by a committee appointed by Parliament rather than the government itself.
“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,” Store mentioned.
The friction has already triggered local unrest, with thousands of Greenlanders marching over the weekend to protest any potential takeover. Despite the pressure from Washington, regional leaders remain defiant against the looming February tariffs.
“We will not be pressured,” Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said in a social media post. “We stand firm on dialogue, on respect, and on international law.”
