Trump Threatens Tariffs Over Greenland Claim Amid Nobel Peace Prize Grievance

Mon Jan 19 2026 17:27:47 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a recent message, President Trump linked his claim to Greenland with his disappointment over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, suggesting a shift in his diplomatic approach.

US President Donald Trump expressed frustration over Norway's decision not to award him the Nobel Peace Prize, suggesting it has freed him from focusing solely on peace. He reiterated his demand for US control over Greenland and threatened tariff increases against NATO allies opposing this takeover. The Danish government responded, emphasizing that any decision about Greenland's future rests with its people.

US President Donald Trump has declared that his disappointment over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize has altered his diplomatic priorities, particularly regarding Greenland. In a recent message to Norway's prime minister, Trump criticized Norway's decision to not award him the prestigious honor and stated, 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... He further emphasized his view that US control over Greenland is essential for national security.

Trump reiterated his desire for the US to obtain Greenland, framing the acquisition as a matter of national security against potential threats from Russia and China. He hinted at imposing tariffs on NATO allies resisting his Greenland agenda, starting at 10% and threatening to raise it to 25% by June.

The Danish government has vehemently opposed Trump's assertions and emphasized that any decisions regarding Greenland's status belong to its people. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who received Trump's message, indicated that Norway does not hold the authority over Nobel prize decisions, which are conducted by an independent committee.

Amid military reinforcements in Greenland, Trump's insistence on acquiring the island has raised tensions with European allies, with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer asserting that any future status decisions about Greenland must be left to its inhabitants.