In a revelation that has reignited concerns about U.S. expansionist ambitions in the Arctic, a Norwegian political leader has confirmed receiving a message from former U.S. President Donald Trump that reportedly ties the acquisition of Greenland to the Nobel Peace Prize. The news, first reported by The Associated Press on January 19, 2026, comes as former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney expressed public concern over escalating American efforts to purchase the vast, autonomous Danish territory.
Details of the Diplomatic Message
The Norwegian official, whose name was not disclosed in the initial report, stated he received the communication from Trump. While the exact wording remains private, the message's content is understood to connect the prospect of the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize with the United States' long-standing interest in acquiring Greenland. This is not the first time Trump has expressed desire for the island; his administration's informal inquiries in 2019 were swiftly and firmly rejected by the Danish government, causing a brief diplomatic rift.
This latest development suggests the issue remains a priority in Trump's political orbit. The timing is notable, as it coincides with the one-year mark of a second Trump term, a period that has seen a resurgence of nationalist "Buy American" policies that have also resonated with some in Canada and Europe.
Canadian and International Reaction
The report has drawn immediate reaction from foreign policy observers. Jim Townsend, former U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense for European and NATO Policy, commented that Trump's apparent threat or proposition is being "received well in Capitol Hill," indicating some political support for the idea in Washington.
More critically for a Canadian audience, Mark Carney voiced apprehension. In a separate segment covered by the news service, Carney stated he is "concerned" about the U.S. escalating its efforts to push for a Greenland purchase. As a key figure in international finance and a voice on geopolitical matters, Carney's concern highlights the potential for such a move to disrupt Arctic sovereignty balances and international norms. The Arctic region is of strategic importance to Canada, with significant environmental, economic, and security implications.
Broader Context and Implications
This diplomatic intrigue unfolds against a backdrop of other significant global and domestic Canadian news. From a major nor'easter shutting down schools in Nova Scotia and leaving over 100,000 without power, to record crowds at Edmonton's Deep Freeze festival, the story adds a layer of geopolitical uncertainty to the national conversation.
The linking of a major international award to a territorial acquisition is highly unorthodox and raises questions about the future direction of U.S. foreign policy under the current administration. For Canada, a nation with vast Arctic interests and a close, often complicated relationship with its southern neighbor, the prospect of a U.S.-owned Greenland presents a multitude of strategic questions concerning security, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous rights in the circumpolar north.
While the Danish government has consistently maintained that Greenland is not for sale, persistent interest from a powerful ally underscores the ongoing geopolitical value of the Arctic. The situation warrants close observation by Canadian policymakers as they navigate an increasingly complex international landscape.
