Trump's Greenland Ambitions: Text Exchanges with European Leaders Uncovered

Wed Jan 21 2026 04:41:59 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Full communications between Donald Trump and European leaders reveal his assertive stance on Greenland ownership, signaling a departure from previous diplomatic norms.

In a series of recently released text messages, Donald Trump conveyed to various European leaders, including Norway's Prime Minister and French President Emmanuel Macron, his intentions regarding Greenland, asserting U.S. claims. His communications reflect a shift toward a more aggressive foreign policy stance following his disappointment at not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.

A series of text exchanges between Donald Trump and European leaders about ownership of Greenland have sensationally been released. The US president has pledged to tell European leaders at this week's forum in Davos, Switzerland, that 'we will have to have' Greenland.

Messages released on Monday between Trump and Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Støre revealed the president no longer felt obliged to think only of peace after he was not awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year.

On Tuesday, Trump posted his own text exchanges with French President Emmanuel Macron and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. The discourse indicates a stark shift in diplomatic engagement regarding Greenland's status.

Text exchange between Trump and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Støre

Released by the office of Støre following a freedom of information request by the BBC, 18 January at 15:48 (14:48 GMT)

Gahr Støre: 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!

Trump's response, 18 January 16:15 (15:15 GMT): Dear Jonas: Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 wars, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of peace, although it will always be predominant, but can think about what is good and proper for the United States. Denmark cannot protect that land from Russia or China, and why do they have a 'right of ownership' anyway?

The messages from Macron and Rutte further emphasize the international implications of Trump's Greenland claims, with Macron questioning Trump's rationale and Rutte supporting diplomatic solutions.

Message from French President Emmanuel Macron to Trump

Posted on Truth Social by Trump, 19 January, 17:01 (12:01 GMT):

My friend, we are totally in line on Syria. We can do great things on Iran. I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland. Let us try to build great things:

1) I can set up a G7 meeting after Davos in Paris on Thursday afternoon. I can invite the Ukrainians, the Danish, the Syrians, and the Russians in the margins.

2) Let us have a dinner together in Paris together on Thursday before you go back to the US.

Message from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to Trump

Posted on Truth Social by Trump, 20 January, 01:53 (06:53 GMT):

Mr. President, dear Donald - what you accomplished in Syria today is incredible. I will use my media engagements in Davos to highlight your work there, in Gaza, and in Ukraine. I am committed to finding a way forward on Greenland. Can't wait to see you.