US President Donald Trump escalated his criticism of Norway on Sunday, calling the Scandinavian nation a “shithouse country” during a rally in Port Huron, Michigan. The outburst was tied to his long-standing grievance over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, a subject he has repeatedly raised during his presidency.
Speaking to supporters, Trump said he would welcome immigrants from certain countries but not from Norway, “because I didn't get the Nobel Prize.” He added, “So I don't want anybody from Norway.” The remark drew laughter and applause from the crowd, but has sparked diplomatic ripples across the Atlantic.
Norway's response
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide responded on Monday, emphasizing that the Nobel Committee operates independently of the government. “The committee is independent, and its decisions are based on its own assessments,” Eide told reporters in Oslo. He declined to comment directly on Trump's language, but noted that Norway values its relationship with the United States.
The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by a five-member committee appointed by the Norwegian Parliament, a fact that has often been a point of confusion. Trump has frequently claimed he deserved the prize for his efforts in brokering deals, including the Abraham Accords, but the committee has not honored him.
This is not the first time Trump has targeted Norway. In 2018, he reportedly referred to African nations and Haiti as “shithole countries” during a meeting on immigration, a comment that drew global condemnation. His latest remark extends that pattern to a Nordic ally, which has historically maintained close ties with Washington.
The incident comes amid broader transatlantic tensions. NATO allies fear Trump will delay Patriot missiles for Ukraine until after the US midterms, adding to concerns about the reliability of American commitments. Norway, a founding member of NATO, shares a border with Russia in the Arctic and has been a key partner in regional security.
Norwegian officials have also been dealing with other challenges, including a tripling of successful cyberattacks in the past six months, which has heightened the country's focus on digital defense. The diplomatic spat with Trump is unlikely to derail practical cooperation, but it underscores the unpredictability of US rhetoric under his leadership.
Political analysts in Europe have noted that Trump's comments could strain public sentiment in Norway, where the US is generally viewed favorably. “The Norwegian public is not used to being insulted by a US president,” said a professor of political science at the University of Oslo. “This could have a lasting impact on how Norwegians perceive American leadership.”
Trump's Nobel fixation has been a recurring theme in his speeches. He has often claimed that the prize was unfairly denied to him, despite his administration's role in normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab states. The Nobel Committee has not publicly explained its decisions, but it has historically honored figures like former President Barack Obama and the World Food Programme.
Meanwhile, the broader European security landscape remains fragile. Nordic leaders have pressed Putin to resume Ukraine peace talks, and any disruption in US-Norway relations could complicate these efforts. Norway's foreign ministry has sought to downplay the incident, focusing on the importance of continued dialogue.
As the US midterm elections approach, Trump's rhetoric is likely to remain a focal point. His comments about Norway may be dismissed as campaign trail bluster, but they reflect a pattern of dismissing allies who do not align with his personal grievances. For Norway, the challenge is to maintain a steady course in a relationship that has become increasingly unpredictable.
