Tensions between the United States and Europe have reached new heights after President Donald Trump sent an extraordinary letter to Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
The letter, which was leaked to the media, revealed Trump’s frustration at not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize and his subsequent demands regarding Greenland.
In his note, Trump claimed that, having been denied the award, he “no longer feels an obligation to think purely of peace,” signaling a sharp shift in his rhetoric toward Europe and the Arctic territory.
The letter reportedly linked his desire to assert control over Greenland directly to his disappointment with the Nobel Committee.
Demanding Greenland for American Security
Trump’s message contained a bold argument that Denmark cannot defend Greenland from potential threats posed by Russia or China.
He wrote that Denmark’s claim to the Arctic island is based merely on historical happenstance—a boat landing hundreds of years ago—while asserting that the United States has superior security interests.
“I have done more for NATO than anyone since its founding,” Trump reportedly wrote.
“Now NATO should do something for the United States.
The world is not secure unless we have complete and total control of Greenland.”
He further indicated that the message was forwarded to multiple European ambassadors in Washington, though the leak created initial skepticism about its authenticity.
Norwegian Prime Minister Confirms Authenticity
Despite early doubts, Prime Minister Støre confirmed the letter was genuine in a statement to the Norwegian press.
He explained that it came in response to a brief message he had sent, on behalf of himself and Finland’s President Alexander Stubb, regarding Trump’s escalating tariffs on Norway, Finland, and other European nations.
Støre emphasized that he had repeatedly explained to Trump that the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by an independent committee, not by the Norwegian government.
The prime minister described the exchange as unusual but diplomatically handled, noting that Trump chose to circulate the message among NATO leaders.
UK and European Leaders Push Back
The letter and Trump’s escalating threats have provoked strong reactions across Europe.
UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer directly confronted Trump, warning that imposing tariffs on allies defending Greenland was “completely wrong.”
European nations, meanwhile, defended their Arctic military exercises, stating they pose no threat and are part of shared NATO security efforts.
European leaders have even considered invoking the so-called “trade bazooka,” an economic tool allowing them to impose sanctions on the U.S., including restricting market access or imposing tariffs, as a response to Trump’s coercive tactics.
Analysts fear Trump’s approach risks triggering a dangerous diplomatic downward spiral.
Tariffs and Arctic Tensions
Trump has threatened a 10 percent tariff on exports from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK starting February 1, rising to 25 percent in June if Greenland is not “sold” to the United States.
He framed the tariffs as a means to force European compliance, drawing criticism that such measures could push the UK into a potential recession.
Prime Minister Støre, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and other European leaders stressed that Arctic security is a shared responsibility under NATO, and that applying tariffs to enforce compliance undermines transatlantic cooperation.
Frederiksen declared, “Europe will not be blackmailed. We want to cooperate, and we are not the ones seeking conflict.”
The Bigger Picture: NATO and U.S. Strategy
Trump’s fixation on Greenland reflects his broader security philosophy.
He views the Arctic territory as strategically vital, fearing Russian or Chinese encroachment.
However, experts note that the U.S. already has military agreements with Denmark and does not need to seize the island to ensure security.
Former British diplomat Lord McDonald warned that any conflict over Greenland could seriously destabilize NATO, while other officials described Trump’s approach as reckless and destabilizing.
There is growing concern that a unilateral U.S. action could trigger serious political and military repercussions among allies.
What’s Next for Europe and NATO?
European nations are weighing their options, from diplomatic pressure to potential economic countermeasures, while keeping troops in Greenland to signal their commitment to the island’s security.
Meanwhile, UK officials are balancing the need to maintain dialogue with Trump while upholding NATO obligations and defending international norms.
The coming weeks could be pivotal, as internal opposition in the U.S. and coordinated European action may influence whether Trump escalates his Greenland ambitions or faces pushback from both allies and political rivals.
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