Trump Links Greenland Dispute to Nobel Peace Prize Snub, Repeats Call for US Control

US President Donald Trump has tied his demand for American control of Greenland to his failure to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, saying he no longer feels bound to “think purely of peace”.

The controversial message, sent to Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, was obtained by US media and confirmed by CBS News, the BBC’s US partner. Trump accused Norway of denying him the prize for allegedly stopping “eight wars”.

He also reiterated his long-standing argument that Greenland is essential to US national security, claiming the world is not safe unless the US has “complete and total control” of the Arctic island.

Trump’s Message: From Peace Prize to Territorial Control

In the message, Trump said he could now consider actions “good and proper” for the United States, rather than focusing solely on peace. He described Greenland as strategically vital, citing its location for early warning systems and surveillance of missile and naval activity.

The text was sent after Støre and Finland’s president, Alexander Stubb, contacted Trump to express opposition to planned US tariffs linked to the Greenland dispute. The leaders also proposed a three-way call to ease tensions.

Støre later stressed that the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by an independent committee, not the Norwegian government.

Escalating Tensions Over Greenland

Trump has repeatedly suggested the US should buy Greenland and has not ruled out using force against NATO allies to gain control. He claimed Denmark is unable to protect the island from Russia or China and questioned why Denmark should have sovereignty over Greenland.

Over the weekend, Trump announced plans to impose a 10% tariff on goods from eight NATO allies starting in February if they oppose his Greenland plan. He threatened to raise the tariff to 25% by June.

He also claimed that he has done more for NATO than any leader since its founding, and urged the alliance to “do something for the United States”.

Global Reactions and Diplomatic Pushback

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Greenland’s future is for its people and Denmark to decide, and called tariffs against allies “wrong”.

Denmark’s defence minister, Troels Lund Poulsen, and Greenland’s foreign affairs minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, were scheduled to meet NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte to discuss the issue.

Last week, Denmark, Greenland and NATO allies agreed to increase military presence and exercises in the Arctic and North Atlantic. Several European countries also deployed troops to Greenland on a reconnaissance mission.