Newly released messages between Donald Trump and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Støre have laid bare a dramatic diplomatic clash over Greenland.
In the texts, Trump makes bold demands about the Arctic territory — including claiming the United States must have “Complete and Total Control” of the area — and even brings up the Nobel Peace Prize.
Trump’s Message: World Security Depends on Greenland
In the message to Støre, Trump argues that global stability hinges on the United States controlling Greenland.
He writes that without such control, “The World is not secure,” a striking escalation in rhetoric from the former U.S. President. The texts were disclosed under Norway’s freedom of information laws, revealing an extraordinary exchange, per the Independent.
Trump’s message also references a perceived slight: Norway’s decision not to award him the Nobel Peace Prize.
In a direct jab, he connects the missed prize to a shift in his priorities. Trump writes: “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.”
Trump challenges Denmark’s ability — and perhaps even its right — to maintain sovereignty over Greenland. He questions why Denmark has authority over the territory at all and suggests it cannot defend it from nations like Russia or China.
Trump writes: “Denmark cannot protect that land from Russia or China, and why do they have a 'right of ownership' anyway? 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 President also appeals to NATO in his text, pointing to his contributions to the alliance. Trump writes: “I have done more for NATO than any other person since its founding, and now, NATO should do something for the United States.”
In the most striking line of his response, Trump asserts the United States must dominate the Arctic territory: “The World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland. Thank you! President DJT.”
Norwegian and Finnish Leaders Offer Peace Call
The exchange began with an offer from Norway’s Prime Minister, Jonas Støre, joined by Finnish President Alexander Stubb, to talk things through.
Their message stresses cooperation and de‑escalation in the face of global challenges: “Dear Mr President, dear Donald - on the contact across the Atlantic - on Greenland, Gaza, Ukraine - and your tariff announcement yesterday.
“You know our position on these issues. But we believe we all should work to take this down and de‑escalate - so much is happening around us where we need to stand together. We are proposing a call with you later today - with both of us or separately - give us a hint of what you prefer! Best - Alex and Jonas.”
Rising Tensions as Countries Send Troops
The disclosures come amid heightened tensions in the Arctic. Several nations have deployed troops to the Danish territory — which lies between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, northeast of Canada — a move that underscores Greenland’s strategic importance.
Trump has repeatedly pledged to pursue control of Greenland “one way or the other,” but that ambition is deeply unpopular with the territory’s residents.