Trump Links Nobel Snub to Greenland Takeover Plans/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump told Norway’s Prime Minister he no longer feels bound by peace due to being denied the Nobel Prize. He tied the decision to his push for U.S. control of Greenland and threatened tariffs against European allies. The remarks triggered concerns within NATO about internal tensions and U.S. foreign policy under Trump.
Trump’s Nobel Peace Snub and Greenland Plans: Quick Looks
- Trump blames Nobel Prize loss for shift in foreign policy tone.
- He told Norway’s PM that “purely peace” is no longer a guiding principle.
- Trump tied the Nobel snub to his push to acquire Greenland.
- He issued tariff threats to Norway, Finland, and other EU nations.
- PM Jonas Gahr Støre reminded Trump the Nobel Committee is independent.
- Trump questioned Denmark’s right to own Greenland, citing history.
- NATO members are alarmed at U.S. rhetoric toward a fellow member.
- British PM reaffirmed UK support for Denmark and NATO unity.
- Nobel winner María Corina Machado gave Trump her medal in a symbolic gesture.
- The Nobel Committee clarified the award itself is non-transferable.
Deep Look
Trump Ties Nobel Peace Prize Loss to Greenland Takeover Ambitions
In a remarkable exchange that is drawing international concern, U.S. President Donald Trump has directly linked his failure to receive the Nobel Peace Prize to a dramatic shift in his foreign policy stance — including his renewed efforts to bring Greenland under American control.
According to multiple reports confirmed by the Norwegian government, Trump sent a message to Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, expressing his disappointment with the Norwegian Nobel Committee’s decision not to grant him the Nobel Peace Prize. In the message, Trump stated he “no longer feels an obligation to think purely of Peace,” attributing the change to the Committee’s snub despite his claim of having “stopped 8 Wars PLUS.”
The message, first reported by PBS and now confirmed by Norwegian authorities, was sent shortly after Prime Minister Støre and Finnish President Alexander Stubb criticized Trump’s proposed tariff hikes targeting Norway, Finland, and select European countries. Trump has proposed an additional 10% tariff, citing these nations’ opposition to his Greenland acquisition plan as justification.
“I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace, although it will always be predominant,” Trump wrote. “But I can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America.”
Greenland at the Center of the Controversy
Trump’s obsession with acquiring Greenland is not new. The Arctic territory, a self-governing region under Danish sovereignty, became the subject of global headlines during Trump’s first term when he floated the idea of purchasing it from Denmark. The idea was met with ridicule and sharp rejection from Danish officials. Now, Trump has escalated his rhetoric, questioning Denmark’s right to own Greenland.
“There are no written documents,” Trump claimed in his message. “It’s only that a boat landed there hundreds of years ago, but we had boats landing there, also.”
Greenland has been formally incorporated into Denmark since 1953. While it governs its own domestic affairs, Denmark retains control over defense, security, and monetary policy. Trump argues that the island is strategically important to the U.S. and that NATO cannot consider itself secure unless America has “Complete and Total Control of Greenland.”
These assertions are alarming NATO members, many of whom see Trump’s moves as not only aggressive but potentially destabilizing to the alliance. Some are worried that a NATO member might even threaten another with economic or military action — a violation of the very principles the alliance was founded on.
Norway’s Response and Nobel Committee Clarification
Prime Minister Støre responded diplomatically but firmly. In a statement, he noted that the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by an independent committee and not by the Norwegian government.
“This is well known,” Støre said, adding that he had “clearly explained” this to President Trump.
The Nobel Peace Prize for 2025 was awarded to María Corina Machado, leader of Venezuela’s democratic opposition. During a recent Oval Office meeting, Machado presented her Nobel medal to Trump in a symbolic gesture of appreciation for his support. Trump described the moment as “a wonderful gesture of mutual respect.”
However, the Norwegian Nobel Committee later clarified that while the medal itself can be given away, the honor is non-transferable. In a statement, the Committee said:
“Ownership of the medal may change hands, but the Nobel Peace Prize remains permanently awarded to the original laureate.”
Global Reactions and NATO Concerns
In London, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer weighed in on the controversy. He reaffirmed that Denmark is a “close ally” and a “proud NATO member” that has made real sacrifices, including the loss of 43 soldiers during the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan. He cautioned against undermining NATO unity and dismissed the idea that one member could impose its will on another without consequence.
While the U.S. has long been the backbone of NATO, Trump’s unilateral moves — from tariffs to territorial demands — continue to strain transatlantic relations. Critics argue that the President’s personal grievances, such as not winning a Nobel, are now shaping major policy decisions with global implications.
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