Trump Calls Norway a 'Shed Country' Over Nobel Prize: Oslo Reacts

During a campaign event, US President Donald Trump severely criticized the Norwegian authorities, calling the country a 'shed country' due to not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. In response to the high-profile statements, the American leader received an official comment from Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, who reminded him of the independence of the Nobel Committee.

Criticism from the White House and Oslo's Stance

Speaking to supporters, the American politician stated that Norway had turned into a 'shed country' solely because the committee had not yet awarded him the prestigious international prize. Such attacks provoked an immediate reaction from the Norwegian Foreign Ministry. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide emphasized that the US president is well aware of the laureate selection procedure and the status of the organization.

According to the Norwegian minister, the Nobel Committee is a completely independent institution, a fact that the country's authorities have repeatedly reminded people of in the past. Oslo consistently adheres to a policy of non-interference in the work of independent experts who determine the winners of the peace prize regardless of political climate or the wishes of world leaders.

Results of the 2026 Nobel Campaign

The conflict unfolded against the backdrop of the recent announcement of prestigious award laureates. The Norwegian Nobel Committee officially announced the 2026 Peace Prize laureate, who became prominent South African human rights defender Navi Pillay. The committee recognized her long-standing efforts to promote peace and strengthen international law worldwide.

Additionally, winners in other categories were announced during the Nobel season. In particular, Canadian writer Anne Carson was named the laureate of the literature prize. The jury praised her bold creative work, which engages in a playful dialogue with classical tradition while forming new standards for modern literature.

Background of Relations and the Venezuelan Connection

Tensions surrounding the Nobel Prize have a long history. Last year, the committee decided to award the peace prize to Venezuelan politician María Corina Machado, who publicly announced her intention to dedicate the award to Donald Trump. At the time, the US presidential administration characterized this decision as politically motivated, after which Trump held a telephone conversation with Machado.

Later, on January 16, the situation developed further when María Corina Machado handed her Nobel medal personally to Donald Trump. This occurred after the United States conducted a military operation in Venezuela and seized incumbent head of state Nicolás Maduro, adding further drama to the diplomatic relations between Washington and Oslo.

Significance of the Incident in International Politics

The American leader's recent remarks demonstrate ongoing tension in the diplomatic sphere between the US and Scandinavian countries. The issue of prestigious international prizes frequently becomes a tool of political pressure and public rhetoric. The reaction of the Norwegian Foreign Ministry confirms Oslo's firmness in defending the institutional independence of the Nobel Committee despite pressure from Washington.