Messages Between Trump and Nordic Leaders Highlight Escalating Dispute Over Arctic Territory
A private text exchange between U.S. President Donald Trump and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has offered rare insight into escalating tensions between Washington and European allies over Greenland, NATO and global security issues.
The messages, sent on 18 January and released under Norway’s freedom of information law, were written as diplomatic efforts intensified to calm disputes involving Greenland, Gaza, Ukraine and U.S. tariff threats.
Prime Minister Støre wrote on behalf of himself and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, urging dialogue and de-escalation at a time of growing international instability and strained transatlantic relations.
Trump’s response, however, adopted a confrontational tone, questioning Denmark’s claim to Greenland and asserting that U.S. control of the Arctic territory was essential for global security, while also criticizing NATO allies.
Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, has increasingly become a focal point in global geopolitics due to its strategic Arctic position, as major powers compete for influence in the region.
European governments, including Denmark, Norway and Finland, have consistently rejected any suggestion that Greenland’s sovereignty is negotiable, stressing that its future can only be decided by its people.
The release of the messages underscores how Greenland has emerged as a central issue straining relations between the United States and its European partners.
📱 Text Messages (As Sent)
Message from Støre to Trump, 18 January at 15:48:
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
Message from Trump to Støre, 18 January at 16:15:
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. Thank you! President DJT.
Editor’s Note:
Messages are reproduced in full and in their original wording as released under Norwegian freedom of information laws.