Trump ties Greenland demand to Nobel snub, deepening rift with Europe

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump escalated his standoff with European allies on Monday, January 19, linking his demand for Greenland to what he described as a slight by the Nobel Peace Prize committee.

In a message sent to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and shared with other NATO leaders, Trump said he no longer feels “an obligation to think purely of Peace,” tying his position on the Arctic island to the decision to award the prize to someone else.

The disclosure adds a personal layer to a dispute that has already united US allies in opposition. Several European leaders accused Trump of blackmail after he threatened new tariffs on eight countries if they continued to reject his bid to acquire the Danish territory. Trump has also suggested that military options remain available.

Trump says no obligation to think purely of peace

In his message to Støre, Trump directly linked his foreign-policy stance to the Nobel decision, writing that he “can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America.”

He then returned to Greenland, repeating his claim that “the World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland,” arguing that only US ownership can prevent China or Russia from gaining influence. Trump dismissed Denmark’s claim to the island, writing that it rests on the fact that “a boat landed there hundreds of years ago,” adding that Americans had done the same.

Allies reject security argument for takeover

NATO governments and US lawmakers from both parties rejected Trump’s reasoning, noting that Greenland is already protected under the alliance as part of Denmark and has hosted a US military base since World War II.

Sen Mark Warner (D-VA), vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, called Trump’s warnings about Russian and Chinese plans “fictitious.” Denmark has said it is open to expanding defense cooperation with Washington, but Trump wrote that “Denmark cannot protect that land,” dismissing decades of joint security arrangements.

Norway leader responds to tariff threats

Støre confirmed he received Trump’s message Sunday after he and Finnish President Alexander Stubb sent a joint text opposing the proposed tariffs.

“We pointed to the need to de-escalate and proposed a telephone conversation,” Støre said. Instead, Trump circulated his response among NATO leaders.

Støre reiterated that “Norway’s position on Greenland is clear… Greenland is a part of the Kingdom of Denmark.” On the Nobel issue, he added, “The prize is awarded by an independent Nobel Committee, not the Norwegian government.”

UK says trade war benefits no one

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also criticized Trump’s approach on Monday. While saying the Arctic region needs “greater investment,” he stressed that Greenland’s future “belongs to the people of Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark alone.”

“Alliances endure because they’re built on respect and partnership, not pressure,” Starmer said, adding that using tariffs against allies is “completely wrong.” Asked about the prospect of military action, he replied, “I don’t think so. This can and should be resolved through calm discussion.”

European nations issue joint defense statement

After talks Sunday, the eight countries targeted by Trump’s tariff threat released a joint statement pledging to “strengthen Arctic security as a shared transatlantic interest” and warning that economic pressure could damage relations and trigger a “dangerous downward spiral.”

Trump’s message, however, signaled no retreat, indicating his position on Greenland has hardened alongside his view that the Nobel decision removes any restraint on pursuing a more forceful US approach in the Arctic.