Donald Trump’s unprecedented cold call to Norway’s finance minister reveals the extraordinary lengths to which the president will go in pursuit of the Nobel Peace Prize, mixing diplomatic protocol with personal ambition. The reported conversation, which seamlessly blended discussions of trade tariffs with Nobel Prize aspirations, demonstrates Trump’s unique approach to international relations, where personal recognition often intersects with policy matters.
An unexpected phone call from U.S. President Donald Trump to the Norwegian finance minister
When U.S. President Donald Trump called Norway’s finance minister last month to discuss tariffs, he also told him he wanted the Nobel Peace Prize, Norwegian business daily Dagens Naeringsliv reported on Thursday.
Several countries, including Israel, Pakistan, and Cambodia, have nominated Trump for brokering peace agreements or ceasefires, and he has said he deserves the Norwegian-bestowed accolade that four White House predecessors received.
“Out of the blue, while Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg was walking down the street in Oslo, Donald Trump called,” Dagens Naeringsliv reported, citing unnamed sources.
“He wanted the Nobel Prize – and to discuss tariffs.”
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Stoere delivers his official response to Donald Trump
In a comment to Reuters, Stoltenberg said the call was to discuss tariffs and economic cooperation ahead of Trump’s call with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Stoere. “I will not go into further detail about the content of the conversation,” he added.
Several White House officials, including U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, were on the call, Stoltenberg added.
The White House and the Norwegian Nobel Committee did not reply to requests for comment.
The timing and nature of Trump’s call to Stoltenberg reveal a calculated strategy to leverage his relationship with the former NATO secretary-general, who would have significant insight into Norwegian political dynamics and the Nobel selection process. Trump’s decision to raise the Nobel Prize topic during what was ostensibly a trade-focused conversation demonstrates his ability to seamlessly integrate personal objectives with official diplomatic business, a hallmark of his unconventional presidential style. The presence of senior Treasury and Trade officials on the call suggests this was not merely an impulsive personal inquiry but rather a coordinated effort to address both economic and reputational concerns simultaneously. This approach reflects Trump’s understanding that international recognition and trade relationships are often interconnected in the complex world of global diplomacy.
The Nobel Peace Prize process and Donald Trump’s chances of getting one
With hundreds of candidates nominated each year, laureates are chosen by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, whose five members are appointed by Norway’s parliament according to the will of Swedish 19th-century industrialist Alfred Nobel. The announcement comes in October in Oslo.
The Norwegian newspaper said it was not the first time Trump had brought up the prize in conversation with Stoltenberg, a former secretary general of the NATO military alliance.
The White House on July 31 announced a 15% tariff on imports from Norway, the same as the European Union.
Stoltenberg said on Wednesday that Norway and the United States were still in talks regarding the tariffs.
Trump’s bold approach to seeking the Nobel Peace Prize through direct diplomatic channels represents an unprecedented breach of traditional protocol that reflects his transactional view of international relations. The president’s willingness to mix personal ambitions with official government business during high-level diplomatic calls demonstrates his unique leadership style that prioritizes results over conventional diplomatic norms.
This incident reveals how Trump’s pursuit of historical legacy continues to shape his interactions with foreign officials, potentially complicating traditional diplomatic relationships. The revelation of these conversations will likely intensify scrutiny of Trump’s methods while highlighting his determination to secure recognition for his peace-making efforts.
GCN.com/Reuters