Despite a recent claim to the contrary, a letter from President Donald Trump to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre suggests that the U.S. leader does indeed care about the Nobel Peace Prize. The Norwegian government confirmed the letter’s legitimacy which was made public on Monday, Jan. 19, thanks to Norway’s freedom of information laws.
In a late-night interaction with journalists, Trump denied his interest in the prestigious award. However, his written communication to Støre indicated otherwise, as he expressed his disappointment over not being awarded the prize, despite his efforts in resolving various conflicts.
Trump’s letter to Støre read, “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,” according to the full exchange published by the Norwegian government.
The letter concluded with Trump stating that global security cannot be guaranteed without “Complete and Total Control of Greenland.” He further questioned Denmark’s ownership rights over the Arctic territory and suggested that Denmark is incapable of protecting Greenland from potential threats posed by Russia or China.
The original message from Støre, sent on behalf of both himself and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, suggested a conversation with Trump to discuss Greenland and potential tariff announcements. The leaders emphasized the importance of unity on such issues.
Støre clarified on Monday that the Nobel Prize is awarded by an independent committee, not the Norwegian government. He also assured full support for Denmark in matters concerning Greenland. The Norwegian Nobel Committee comprises five members appointed by the Norwegian Parliament.
Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary, defended Trump’s position during a session in Davos, Switzerland, even though he admitted he wasn’t aware of the president’s letter to Norway.
The 2025 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who subsequently presented her medal to Trump at the White House on Jan. 15. She expressed her belief that Trump deserved the award, prompting the Nobel Committee to clarify that the prize cannot be revoked or transferred, even symbolically.
In the late-night discussion with reporters, Trump claimed that Norway has control over the Nobel Prize, a statement that contradicts the independent status of the Nobel Committee. He also stated that he had saved millions of lives and ended eight wars, referring to various global conflicts.
In response to Trump’s threats against Greenland, eight European countries issued a joint statement, expressing concern over the potential harm to transatlantic relations and pledging to strengthen Arctic security as a shared transatlantic interest.
Trump announced on Saturday a 10 percent import tax on goods from these eight nations, to begin on Feb. 1. The duties could rise to 25 percent by June 1 if no agreement is reached. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said on Monday that all possibilities are being considered until Trump finalizes his decision.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for de-escalation, emphasizing that the Arctic region needs more attention, investment, and collective defense. He expressed doubts about military action in the region.
Kaja Kallas, the European Union foreign policy chief, stated that the EU is not looking for a conflict but will stand its ground. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and other alliance officials are closely monitoring the situation.
Thousands of Greenlanders took to the streets to protest against Trump’s threats. Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said they will not be pressured. Greenland remains under the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark.
European troops have been deployed to Greenland as allies assess the region’s security requirements. Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson is among the officials considering options for a permanent military presence.
Trump claimed that he has done more for NATO than any other person since its inception and suggested that NATO should reciprocate. The president was attending a college football championship game in Miami, Florida before the text exchange with Støre took place.
The text message conversation between Trump and Støre occurred on Sunday, with Støre sending the initial message on behalf of himself and Finnish President Alexander Stubb. The full text was released on Monday under Norway’s freedom of information laws.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the authenticity of Trump’s message, stating that the president believes the people of Greenland would be better protected from modern Arctic threats under U.S. protection.
The episode has cast a spotlight on Trump’s claims about his achievements in foreign policy and his desire for international recognition, specifically the Nobel Peace Prize, which he has expressed interest in throughout his political career.
