Munich – Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has publicly addressed a contentious text exchange with former U.S. President Donald Trump from January, revealing the surprisingly direct and, at times, bewildering nature of their communication. The exchange, sparked by Trump’s ongoing fixation on the Nobel Peace Prize and his threats regarding Greenland, offers a rare glimpse into the former president’s diplomatic approach and his reaction to perceived slights.
The conversation began after Støre, along with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, reached out to Trump seeking de-escalation of tensions surrounding his repeated assertions that the United States should annex Greenland, an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. Støre and Stubb also aimed to address Trump’s escalating rhetoric and a recently announced tariff policy. Yet, Trump’s response quickly veered into a personal grievance regarding the Nobel Committee’s decision to award the 2025 prize to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado.
According to a transcript of the text messages released by the Senate Democrats, Trump wrote to Støre, “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, though it will always be predominant, but can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America.” This exchange underscores a pattern of Trump conflating personal recognition with national interests and demonstrates his willingness to leverage diplomatic relationships based on perceived personal affronts. The incident highlights the complexities of international diplomacy when dealing with unconventional negotiating tactics.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Støre described his reaction to Trump’s message as a realization that the debate had reached an unproductive level. “What did I think? I thought, ‘Well, it’s just bringing the debate to a level where we don’t solve problems,’” he told The Atlantic. He emphasized his unwillingness to engage in a “shouting match” and reiterated his desire to maintain a dialogue, responding to Trump with a message paraphrased as, “I take your message; I still think it’s useful to talk.”
The White House responded to inquiries about the exchange with a statement from spokesperson Anna Kelly, who asserted, “President Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize many times over.” This response underscores the continued loyalty and support within Trump’s circle, even in the face of widespread criticism. The incident also brought renewed attention to Trump’s repeated, and inaccurate, claims that Norway had undue influence over the Nobel Peace Prize selection process.
Trump’s Fixation on the Nobel Prize
Støre revealed that Trump’s preoccupation with the Nobel Peace Prize was well-known, noting that the former president had previously contacted Norwegian diplomats and publicly complained about not receiving the award. Trump has repeatedly stated, “Don‘t let anyone tell you that Norway doesn’t control the shots, OK? It’s in Norway. I lost a lot of respect for Norway. And I believe extremely strongly that Norway controls the Nobel Prize.” Støre consistently reminded Trump that the Nobel Committee is an independent body, separate from the Norwegian government, a point Trump appeared unwilling to accept. “He doesn’t listen on that frequency, I would say,” Støre told The Atlantic, although gesturing with his hand.
The situation took an unusual turn when Machado, the actual recipient of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, presented the medal to Trump. Machado explained her decision to Fox News, stating it was “a very emotional moment” and that she believed Trump deserved the recognition. The Nobel Institute has stressed that the prize is not transferable.
Maintaining Communication Despite Disagreements
Despite the contentious exchange, Støre expressed a degree of optimism about maintaining communication with Trump. “I would simply, you know, pay tribute to Trump that he takes messages,” he said, contrasting Trump’s responsiveness with that of his predecessor, Joe Biden, whom Støre claimed “never did.” He added, “I mean, you can access him. We are leaders, and I appreciate that.” Støre emphasized the importance of maintaining a working relationship with the United States, a key ally for Norway.
In a previous interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett, Støre highlighted the require for diplomatic tact when dealing with the former president. “If you are prime minister, you have to be diplomatic in the sense that you talk straight, but you’re able to deal with people, and the United States is very important ally for Norway, strong cultural, political ties. And that’s my point of departure for finding good solutions.”
The exchange between Støre and Trump serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and complexities of international relations in an era of increasingly unconventional diplomacy. While the immediate crisis surrounding Greenland appears to have subsided, the incident underscores the importance of clear communication and the potential for personal grievances to influence geopolitical considerations. The long-term implications of this dynamic remain to be seen, particularly as the global landscape continues to evolve.
As the political climate shifts and new challenges emerge, maintaining open lines of communication with key international partners will be crucial. Further developments regarding U.S. Foreign policy and the ongoing situation in Greenland will undoubtedly be closely monitored. What comes next will depend on the evolving dynamics between the U.S. And its allies, and the ability of leaders to navigate complex geopolitical issues with diplomacy and restraint.
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