--- title: "Trump Calls Norway a 'Shed Country' Over Nobel Prize: Oslo Reacts" description: "US President Donald Trump called Norway a 'shed country' for not awarding him the Nobel Peace Prize. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide reminded him of the committee's independence." date: 2026-10-26T14:00:21.819Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/trump-calls-norway-shed-country tags: [donald-trump, norway, nobel-peace-prize, espen-barth-eide, foreign-policy, navi-pillay] author: "Alexander Buran" publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Trump Calls Norway a 'Shed Country' Over Nobel Prize: Oslo Reacts ![Portrait of US President Donald Trump speaking during an event at the White House](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/26/tramp-nazval-norvegiyu-stranoy-otstoynikom/tramp-nazval-norvegiyu-stranoy-otstoynikom-1.webp) ## Key Points - Donald Trump called Norway a 'shed country' for failing to award him the Nobel Peace Prize. - Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide responded that the Nobel Committee is entirely independent. - The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to South African human rights activist Navi Pillay. - Last year, the prize went to Venezuelan politician María Corina Machado, who later handed her medal to Trump. 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. ## Fact-Check & Sources - [Трамп назвал Норвегию "страной-отстойником" из-за Нобелевской премии: реакция МИД](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/tramp-nazvav-norvegiyu-krayinoyu-vidstiynikom-1793022503.html) - The primary source article fully confirms Trump's statements, the reaction of Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, and the background regarding the Nobel Prizes and María Corina Machado. ## FAQ ### Why did Trump criticize Norway? The American leader called Norway a 'shed country' because the committee did not award him the Nobel Peace Prize. ### How did the Norwegian Foreign Ministry respond to Trump's words? Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stated that Trump is well aware of the Nobel Committee's independence and non-interference. ### Who won the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize? The prize was awarded to South African human rights defender Navi Pillay for her efforts in promoting peace and international law.