Istanbul (Parliament Politics Magazine) January 19, 2026 – US President Donald Trump wrote to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store stating he no longer feels bound to think purely of peace due to Norway’s denial of the Nobel Peace Prize, while demanding US control over Greenland for security against Russia and China. The letter, publicised by PBS NewsHour’s Nick Schifrin, questions Denmark’s sovereignty and ties to 10% tariff threats on eight European nations starting 1 February. Norway reaffirmed support for Denmark, as gold surges to $4,689 per ounce and stocks decline amid the diplomatic row.
US President Donald Trump has communicated to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store that he no longer considers himself obligated to prioritise peace exclusively, attributing this shift to Norway’s failure to grant him the Nobel Peace Prize.
In the letter, first disclosed by PBS NewsHour foreign correspondent Nick Schifrin and verified by Store’s office, Trump stated he had stopped eight wars but received no recognition. As reported by Necva Tastan Sevinc of Anadolu Agency, Trump wrote:
“Dear Jonas: Since your country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for stopping 8 wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of peace, although it will always be dominant, but can now think about what is good and proper for the United States.”
Trump challenged Denmark’s claim to Greenland, asserting: “Denmark cannot protect this land from Russia or China … The world is not safe unless we have complete and total control of Greenland.”
Journalist Mario Nawfal shared the full letter text, confirming its circulation. Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) said in X post,
“🇺🇸🇬🇱 TRUMP: I’M DONE THINKING ABOUT PEACE Trump just told Norway’s PM Jonas Gahr Store he’s not “obliged to think purely of peace” anymore. He blames Norway for not giving him the Nobel Peace Prize and says he can now focus on what’s best for the U.S. instead.
The message was reportedly forwarded by NSC staff to multiple European ambassadors, addressed to their heads of state. “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.
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. I have done more for Nato than any other person since its founding, and now, Nato should do something for the United States. The world is not secure unless we have complete and total control of Greenland.” Source: GBNews, @nickschifrin.”
🇺🇸🇬🇱 TRUMP: I’M DONE THINKING ABOUT PEACE
Trump just told Norway’s PM Jonas Gahr Store he’s not “obliged to think purely of peace” anymore.
He blames Norway for not giving him the Nobel Peace Prize and says he can now focus on what’s best for the U.S. instead.
The message was… pic.twitter.com/Be0sZLJ6Tm
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 19, 2026
Norwegian Response and Nobel Clarification
The letter responded to a joint note from Store and Finnish President Alexander Stubb urging de-escalation over US tariffs. Store informed NRK they sought a call with Trump and Stubb.
Norway upholds its position, with Store telling NRK:
“Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and Norway fully supports the Kingdom of Denmark in this matter.”
Oslo endorses NATO Arctic stability.
Store rejected Nobel claims, noting the prize is decided by the independent Norwegian Nobel Committee.
Journalist Alberto Nardelli corroborated the letter’s wide distribution. Alberto Nardelli (@AlbertoNardelli) said in X post,
“Matching incredible @nickschifrin scoop: Trump sent a letter to Norwegian PM saying: “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 World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland” Letter was shared with other governments too.”
Matching incredible @nickschifrin scoop: Trump sent a letter to Norwegian PM saying: “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…
— Alberto Nardelli (@AlbertoNardelli) January 19, 2026
Tariffs Linked to Greenland Opposition
Trump announced on Saturday 10% tariffs on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland, effective 1 February and rising to 25% in June, due to their opposition to US Greenland control and recent personnel deployments there.
The eight nations issued a joint statement on Sunday denouncing the threats and reaffirming Arctic security commitments.
As reported by Nick Edser of BBC News, the announcement drove gold to a record $4,689.39 (£3,499) per ounce and silver to $94.08 per ounce on Monday, with European stocks declining: FTSE 100 down 0.4%, Dax 1.4%, Cac 40 1.5-1.7%.
Chris Price and Chanel Zagon of The Telegraph detailed FTSE 100 at 10,194.18 (-0.4%), FTSE 250 at 23,143.52 (-0.7%), with carmakers like BMW (-3.4%) hit hard.
Market Reactions Intensify Amid Escalation
Asian markets fell earlier: Nikkei down 0.6-0.8%, Hang Seng over 1%. US futures pointed lower, per The Telegraph.
Gold miners buoyed London’s FTSE, with Endeavour Mining up 2.9%, BAE Systems 1.5%. The dollar weakened, pound to $1.34, euro $1.163.
UK and EU Responses to Trump’s Moves
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer plans a Downing Street address, joined by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, after calling tariffs “wrong.” A government source cited by The Telegraph said Starmer prioritises values, security, and standards.
EU reports eye a €93bn retaliation package. France called threats blackmail; Italy’s Giorgia Meloni suggested misread military moves.
Economic Warnings from Analysts
Capital Economics’ Neil Shearing told The Telegraph a 10% tariff could cut UK GDP 0.1% (£2.88bn), 25% up to 0.3% (£8.64bn). Peel Hunt’s Kallum Pickering termed it a “dangerous evolution.”
StoneX’s Matt Simpson said to Nick Edser of BBC News:
“Geopolitical tensions have given gold bulls yet another reason to push the yellow metal to new highs.”
Background on Greenland and Strategic Interests
Greenland, self-governing under Denmark, holds strategic value due to location, minerals, and Arctic concerns over Russia and China. Trump vows to remove the “Russian threat.”
Anadolu Agency noted prior discussions: NATO chief and Trump on Greenland security; Canada affirming Copenhagen-Nuuk decisions; EU emergency meeting.
The eight countries’ joint statement underscores collective resolve.
Donald Trump’s Position on Greenland Control and Acquisition
US President Donald Trump maintains a firm stance demanding complete US control over Greenland, citing national security, Arctic defence against Russia and China, and NATO strengthening.
Trump asserts that “anything less than” US ownership of Greenland is “unacceptable.” He argues the territory—currently a self-governing Danish possession—is essential for US defence, including the Pentagon’s “Golden Dome” missile system.
On Truth Social, Trump stated:
“NATO becomes far more formidable and effective with Greenland in the hands of the UNITED STATES. Anything less than that is unacceptable.”
He claims to have built much of NATO’s power and expects reciprocity.
Trump questions Denmark’s historical claim, noting “no written documents” exist and US boats also landed there centuries ago.
He repeatedly emphasises Greenland’s role in countering Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic. He argues Denmark cannot protect it, stating:
“Denmark cannot protect this land from Russia or China … The world is not safe unless we have complete and total control of Greenland.”
The island’s geopolitical position, rare earth minerals, oil, gas, and emerging shipping routes heighten its value amid climate change. Trump prioritises security over resources but allies like Mike Waltz highlight minerals.
In a letter to Norway’s PM Jonas Gahr Store, Trump reiterated these points, linking them to denied Nobel recognition and NATO contributions.
Trump announced 10% tariffs on imports from eight European nations—Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, UK, Netherlands, Finland—starting 1 February 2026, rising to 25% in June unless Greenland opposition ends.
He frames this as pressure for a deal, warning of “the hard way” if needed, without ruling out military options post-Venezuela operations.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cited European “weakness” necessitating US control for stability.