Jan. 19, 2026 — Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on European allies unless they reach a deal on U.S. control of Greenland, linking the push in text messages to Norway’s prime minister to the country’s denial of him the Nobel Peace Prize.
The exchange, published by The New York Times, occurred on Sunday between Trump and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre amid escalating tensions over the Arctic territory currently under Danish oversight.
Norway’s leader initiated contact to de-escalate issues, including Greenland, Gaza, Ukraine, and Trump’s tariff announcement the previous day, proposing a call.
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
Trump responded by expressing resentment over the Nobel decision and demanding control of Greenland for security against Russia and China.
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… The World is not secure unless we have Complete and Total Control of Greenland.
The texts, sent Jan. 18 at 3:48 p.m. and 4:15 p.m., underscore Trump’s strategy one year into his return to the White House, where he wields executive power with few restraints, according to Reuters.
The threats sparked market reactions, with gold and silver hitting record highs as investors sought safety. European leaders expressed outrage, weighing retaliation despite NATO ties, as detailed in The New York Times print edition.
Trump’s trade negotiator, Jamieson Greer, stated the administration would immediately replace tariffs if overruled by the Supreme Court in a related case. German investments in the U.S. have nearly halved in Trump’s first year back.
