U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly tied his contentious stance on Greenland to his failure to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, according to a message sent on January 18 to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre amid mounting diplomatic strain between Washington and Europe.

In the message, Trump asserted that because Norway did not — in his view — award him the Nobel Peace Prize for his foreign policy achievements, he “no longer feel[s] an obligation to think purely of Peace” and is now prepared to prioritise what he describes as “good and proper” actions for the United States.

This remark comes against the backdrop of Trump’s pressure campaign on Denmark and its allies over control of Greenland, a self-governing territory of the Kingdom of Denmark.

The president reiterated his belief that the United States must secure “complete and total control” of the island for what he frames as national security reasons, a position that has alarmed NATO partners and drawn widespread rebukes.

Støre confirmed that he received the message, which was reportedly circulated to several European embassies in Washington, and reiterated that the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by an independent committee, not the Norwegian government.

Despite this explanation, the exchange underscores fraying ties with key allies as the United States levies tariffs on countries opposing its Greenland policy.

Trump’s comments have further inflamed debate in Europe, where leaders have reaffirmed support for Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland and rejected suggestions that its status is negotiable.

The Danish government and Greenlandic officials have repeatedly stated that the island is not for sale and stressed the importance of respecting international law and self-determination.

The dispute has extended into broader strategic concerns, with European officials warning that coercive trade measures and territorial ambitions risk undermining NATO unity.

Trump’s letter to Støre represents a rare instance in which personal grievances — in this case connected to international recognition — have been explicitly linked to geopolitical manoeuvring.

Analysts say the episode highlights deepening friction between the United States and its closest allies at a time when collective action on security challenges, including Russia’s aggression in Europe and strategic competition in the Arctic, remains a central priority for the transatlantic alliance.

Provided Trump’s rhetoric and policies continue to draw pushback, European capitals are expected to intensify diplomatic efforts to reaffirm the importance of alliance solidarity and uphold existing territorial arrangements in the Arctic region.