Washington (Parliament Politics Magazine) January 19, 2026 – US President Donald Trump has tied his aggressive push to seize Greenland to a Nobel Peace Prize snub, declaring in a letter to Norway’s prime minister that he no longer feels bound to prioritise peace. The full letter text has circulated widely, confirming Trump’s shift to US-first considerations. He threatened 10% tariffs on Denmark and seven other nations from 1 February unless Greenland transfers to US control. European responses show unprecedented unity in condemnation, with the EU eyeing retaliation.
President Trump has intensified his pursuit of Greenland, explicitly connecting it to his disappointment over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in a letter to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
The letter’s full text emerged on social media, providing verbatim details of Trump’s position. As reported by Nicola Slawson of The Guardian, its authenticity was verified by Støre to the Norwegian newspaper VG on Monday.
Full Text of Trump’s Letter Surfaces Publicly
The complete letter states:
“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.”
Trump continued that he could now “think about what is good and proper” for the US.
Financial analyst The Kobeissi Letter shared the full letter on X, highlighting its implications for trade policy. The Kobeissi Letter said in X post,
“PRESIDENT TRUMP’S FULL LETTER TO NORWAY: ‘I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of peace… but can now think about what is good and proper for the USA.’ Trump is doubling down on Greenland. Step #6 of our tariff playbook is beginning.”
PRESIDENT TRUMP’S FULL LETTER TO NORWAY:
“I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of peace… but can now think about what is good and proper for the USA.”
Trump is doubling down on Greenland.
Step #6 of our tariff playbook is beginning. https://t.co/O0OxJZlpJl pic.twitter.com/64aF2PnQiY
— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) January 19, 2026
This dissemination amplified the letter’s reach, linking it to broader tariff strategies.
Støre responded in a written statement, stressing the Nobel committee’s independence.
“I have clearly explained, including to President Trump, what is well known – the prize is awarded by an independent Nobel committee,”
he wrote, per The Guardian.
Escalating Tariff Threats Over Greenland Control
Trump’s demands centre on Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory rich in rare earth minerals and strategically located near Russia. On Saturday, he announced a 10% tariff on imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland, starting 1 February, until US acquisition is approved.
The White House has framed Greenland as essential for national security, citing Arctic military positioning. Previous attempts during Trump’s first term were rebuffed by Denmark.
No new statements from Danish officials appeared by Monday evening, though historical rejections remain firm.
European Leaders Express Unprecedented Unified Anger
Reactions across Europe have been swift and aligned. The EU is considering retaliatory tariffs on US goods and severe sanctions, as covered in The Guardian’s live politics updates.
One EU minister labelled the threats “blackmail”. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the issue amid pre-Davos discussions.
European voices on social media captured the depth of frustration. Danish commentator Steffen W. Frølund posted a stark assessment of transatlantic ties. Steffen W. Frølund said in X post,
“Vibe check from Europe: Never seen this amount of unison anger before. The erosion of trust, goodwill and loyalty towards the US has taken a new large step. Its not to late to mend relations, we are many who love the US we used to know, but Europe won’t tolerate backstabbing.”
Vibe check from Europe: Never seen this amount of unison anger before. The erosion of trust, goodwill and loyalty towards the US has taken a new large step. Its not to late to mend relations, we are many who love the US we used to know, but Europe won’t tolerate backstabbing.
— Steffen W. Frølund (@SteffenFrolund) January 19, 2026
This post reflects sentiments echoed in official briefings, signalling strained NATO and trade relations.
Pentagon Mobilises Troops Amid US Domestic Protests
Domestically, tensions rise. The Pentagon has readied 1,500 soldiers from Alaska for possible deployment to Minnesota, where protests oppose intensified immigration deportations.
US officials cited potential violence escalation, following Trump’s threats to invoke the Insurrection Act against Democratic officials blocking federal agents. Over 3,000 Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have been sent to the state.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey deemed military involvement “ridiculous” on Sunday, emphasising peaceful demonstrations documented in photo galleries by The Guardian.
Pentagon spokesperson Pete Hegseth discussed unrelated Japan defence matters but offered no comment on Minnesota.
Spain Mourns 39 Dead in High-Speed Train Collision
Internationally, tragedy struck Spain. Two trains collided near Adamuz in Córdoba province, killing 39 and injuring 122, with 12 in intensive care.
An Iryo high-speed train from Málaga to Madrid derailed at 7.40pm Sunday, striking a Renfe train, according to Adif rail authority posts on X. Around 300 passengers were aboard; cars six through eight derailed worst.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called it “a night of deep pain”. Emergency services in Andalucía reported 48 still hospitalised Monday morning. Guardia Civil and firefighters coordinated evacuations.
Media and Human Rights Developments Worldwide
CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss delayed then aired a 60 Minutes report on Venezuelan prisoners after demanding more reporting, resolving a month-long internal dispute.
In Iran, a human rights group documented a 16-year-old protester sexually assaulted in custody amid uprisings claiming thousands of lives.
Ocean scientists flagged a “regime shift” risk from seaweed blooms expanding due to global heating, farm runoff, and pollutants.
An 83-year-old Ohio man convicted of killing an Uber driver under a mistaken robbery belief faces sentencing Tuesday.
Inequality Report Spotlights Billionaire Wealth Surge
Oxfam’s survey revealed billionaires’ collective wealth hit $18.3tn last year, with record numbers created amid poverty stagnation. Governments face accusations of yielding to elite influence, as protested at Davos.
Supreme Court Case Fuels US Social Divisions
The US Supreme Court heard arguments on transgender youth in school sports, potentially affecting wider LGBTQ+ protections. Washington DC rallies showed heightened opposition aggression, per trans advocates.
Historical Footage Emerges of Martin Luther King Jr
A 1950 home video surfaced showing a young Martin Luther King Jr with girlfriend Betty Moitz, marking the earliest known footage unless family archives hold others.
President Trump, recently photographed receiving a Nobel medal from Venezuelan leader María Corina Machado, navigates these multinational flashpoints.
Greenland’s status remains unchanged, with Denmark affirming autonomy. EU tariff preparations continue, while US troops stay on alert. Norwegian officials stand by Nobel independence. Spanish investigations into the crash proceed, with victim support mobilised.
The letter’s full release has sharpened focus on Trump’s trade playbook, as analysts like The Kobeissi Letter note. European cohesion against perceived backstabbing, voiced by figures like Frølund, underscores alliance strains.
Investors monitor tariff impacts, with Step #6 of escalation playbooks invoking market jitters. Pentagon readiness in Minnesota ties foreign bravado to home enforcement.
Spain’s rail safety probes intensify post-crash, amid global transport scrutiny. CBS’s Venezuelan segment airing closes a media ethics chapter.
Iranian assault reports bolster calls for accountability. Ocean bloom warnings urge pollution curbs.
Oxfam’s $18.3tn figure galvanises inequality debates at Davos. Supreme Court trans sports ruling looms large.
King footage offers rare civil rights glimpse amid modern divides.
These events, verified across outlets like The Guardian, Reuters-linked reports, and official statements, define a tense global landscape on January 19, 2026.