Nobel Prize Independent, Norway PM Tells Trump Amid Greenland Dispute

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has firmly rejected United States President Donald Trump’s assertion that political authorities influence the Nobel Peace Prize, stating unequivocally that the Norwegian government has no role in selecting Nobel laureates.

Støre confirmed on Monday that he received a direct message from Trump, in which the US President linked his aggressive stance on acquiring Greenland to what he described as repeated “snubs” by the Nobel Committee. The message followed diplomatic outreach by Norway and Finland urging Washington to reconsider tariff threats against several European countries.

“I have clearly explained, including to President Trump, what is well known — the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by an independent committee and not by the Norwegian government,” Støre said in an official statement.

The exchange reportedly occurred after Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb contacted Trump to push for de-escalation amid rising transatlantic tensions triggered by US tariff threats linked to Greenland. Instead of addressing trade concerns, Trump’s response shifted focus to his long-standing grievance over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

According to Støre, Trump wrote that because Norway had “decided not to give” him the Nobel Prize, he no longer felt obligated to pursue peaceful considerations in matters of international policy. Trump further claimed that Denmark is incapable of protecting Greenland from perceived Russian and Chinese threats, asserting that American control of the Arctic territory was essential for global security.

Trump has repeatedly stated that US ownership of Greenland is critical, arguing that the island’s strategic location makes it vital for defence and geopolitical stability. His comments have been widely rejected across Europe, with Denmark, Norway, and several NATO allies reaffirming that Greenland’s status is non-negotiable.

Reiterating Norway’s stance, Støre said his country fully supports Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland and stressed the importance of collective security through NATO rather than unilateral action.

“Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and Norway stands firmly with Denmark on this issue,” Støre said. “We also support NATO’s role in strengthening Arctic security in a responsible and coordinated manner.”

The controversy comes amid escalating economic pressure from Washington. Trump has announced a 10 per cent tariff on imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Finland starting February 1, with a warning that duties could rise to 25 per cent by June unless an agreement is reached on Greenland.

European leaders have condemned the linkage of trade measures to territorial demands, warning that such actions risk undermining long-standing alliances. The European Union has since signalled it may activate its strongest trade retaliation mechanism if tariffs are enforced.

Norway’s response underscores a broader European effort to push back against political pressure tied to international honours and territorial integrity, while reaffirming that the Nobel Peace Prize remains insulated from state influence — a principle enshrined since Alfred Nobel’s original will.