US President Donald Trump has remained tight-lipped regarding how far he will go to acquire Greenland, refusing to comment on whether he would use force to seize the territory. In a brief phone interview with NBC News, when asked about the use of military action, Trump simply replied, “No comment.” This comes amid heightened tensions over his intentions to take control of the semi-autonomous Danish territory.
Trump has intensified efforts to acquire Greenland, announcing plans to impose a 10% tariff on Denmark and seven other European nations unless an agreement is reached. The move further strains relationships with European allies. Over the weekend, Trump linked Greenland negotiations to his previous unsuccessful bid for the Nobel Peace Prize in a message to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, implying the lack of recognition justifies his actions.
Norway released the text message exchange under public disclosure laws. Trump expressed that, without the Nobel accolade, he no longer had to prioritise peace exclusively. Norway, alongside other European countries, will face the tariffs starting 1st February, according to Trump’s social media post.
Norwegian Prime Minister Støre has emphasised Norway's stance, affirming that Greenland remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark. A five-member Norwegian parliamentary committee annually awards the Nobel Peace Prize. In 2025, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado received the prize and later gifted her medal to Trump for his role in toppling Nicolás Maduro.
Trump disputed Norway's purported impartiality in the award process, claiming that they control it. Former US Embassy senior diplomat Lewis Lukens critiqued Trump’s focus, noting Norwegian officials have no influence over the Nobel decisions. Trump, however, downplayed the prize's importance, reiterating that his peacemaking efforts accomplished more, reported NBC News.
In his dialogue, Trump criticised Europe's reluctance to part ways ways with Greenland, arguing the acquisition was pivotal for US national security against potential threats. Trump has vowed to proceed with tariffs in the absence of a Greenland deal, expressing a resolute commitment: "I will, 100%."
Key Takeaways:
Trump declined to comment on the potential use of force for acquiring Greenland.
The US President plans to impose tariffs on European countries to pressure a deal.
Norway maintains Greenland’s allegiance to Denmark, countering Trump’s claims.
Adapted by ASEAN Now from NBC News 2026-01-21
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