Norwegian Leader Clarifies Nobel Process to US President
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store has publicly explained to former US President Donald Trump that the Norwegian government does not control the selection of Nobel Peace Prize winners. Store confirmed he received a direct message from Trump regarding the matter.
"I have clearly explained, including to President Trump, what is well known," Store stated in an official declaration. "The prize is awarded by an independent Nobel Committee and not the Norwegian Government. I am happy to repeat that." The Prime Minister's remarks appeared in a video shared by Al Jazeera English.
Trump's Message About Nobel Snub and Greenland
The exchange began when Store sent Trump a text message about Norway and Finland's positions on Washington's tariff threats against European Union countries concerning Greenland. Store confirmed receiving Trump's response the following afternoon.
"I can confirm that this is a text message that I received yesterday afternoon from President Trump," Store explained. "It came in response to a short text message from me to President Trump sent earlier on the same day, on behalf of myself and the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb."
In their initial message, Store and Stubb conveyed opposition to Trump's announced tariff increases against Norway, Finland, and other selected countries. They emphasized the need for de-escalation and proposed a telephone conversation between the three leaders on the same day.
Trump responded quickly after receiving their message. The former president decided to share his response with other NATO leaders according to Store's account.
Norway's Position on Greenland and NATO Security
Store reiterated Norway's clear position on Greenland during his statement. "Greenland is a part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and Norway fully supports the Kingdom of Denmark on this matter," he affirmed.
The Norwegian leader emphasized NATO's role in Arctic security. "We also support that NATO, in a responsible way, is taking steps to strengthen security and stability in the Arctic," Store added.
Content of Trump's Message to Norway
A letter from Trump to the Norwegian Prime Minister circulated widely on social media platforms. According to multiple reports including PBS and News Hour, National Security Council staff forwarded the letter to several European ambassadors in Washington.
In his message, Trump asserted that Norway's failure to award him the Nobel Peace Prize had changed his approach to global affairs and alliance politics. He directly connected his claims on Greenland to not receiving the prestigious award.
Trump reportedly wrote: "Dear Jonas: 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."
The message then shifted focus to Greenland, the semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark that Trump has repeatedly suggested the United States should acquire.
In the letter, Trump questioned Denmark's legal and historical claim to the island. He presented Greenland's strategic vulnerability as justification for potential US control.
"Denmark cannot protect that land from Russia or China, and why do they have a 'right of ownership' anyway?" Trump wrote. "There are no written documents; it's only that a boat landed there hundreds of years ago, but we had boats landing there, also."
The message concluded with a sweeping assertion about global security. "The World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland," Trump declared.
Trump has threatened to impose ten percent tariffs on the United Kingdom and European Union countries if they refuse to sell Greenland to the United States.
How Nobel Peace Prize Decisions Actually Work
The Nobel Peace Prize selection process operates independently from any government influence. A dedicated Norwegian Nobel Committee chooses the laureates each year.
This committee consists of five members appointed by the Storting, Norway's parliament. The selection follows a specific nomination procedure.
- Qualified nominators submit candidates for consideration
- The committee reviews all valid nominations
- Advisers from the Nobel Institute evaluate shortlisted candidates
- The Norwegian Nobel Committee makes the final decision
This established process ensures the award maintains its independence and international credibility, completely separate from governmental decisions or political pressures.
