Trump Ties Norway Immigration Remark to Nobel Peace Prize Snub

US President Donald Trump has sparked fresh controversy after linking his frustration over missing out on the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize to remarks against Norwegian immigrants during a political rally in Port Huron, Michigan.

Trump made the comments on Sunday, October 25, while addressing supporters ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections. He said he would welcome immigrants from some countries but did not want people from Norway because he had not received the Nobel Peace Prize.

During the speech, Trump also used insulting language to describe Norway, criticising the country over the Nobel Committee’s decision. His remarks connected a personal grievance about the international award to his views on immigration.

The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to South African jurist and former United Nations human rights chief Navi Pillay on October 9. Pillay was recognised for her work on international law, justice and accountability.

Trump has repeatedly argued that he deserves the award, pointing to his claims of helping to resolve several international conflicts. Earlier in October, he criticised the decision to honour Pillay and described the outcome as an “indelible stain” on Norway.

However, the Norwegian Nobel Committee operates independently of the Norwegian government. Although its members are appointed by Norway’s Parliament, the award decision is made by the committee rather than the government.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide reiterated the committee’s independence in response to Trump’s latest remarks. He stressed that the committee makes its decisions independently of the government.

The comments have drawn attention to the relationship between Trump’s public statements, immigration debates and diplomatic relations. His remarks appeared to extend his criticism of the Nobel decision from the committee to Norway and its people.

There was no indication that the US administration had introduced or announced a new immigration policy specifically targeting Norwegian nationals. Trump’s statement was made during a political rally and should not be taken as evidence of a formal policy change.

The episode comes as Trump continues to make immigration a central issue in his political messaging ahead of the midterm elections. His public criticism of Norway has added a diplomatic dimension to his dispute over the Nobel Peace Prize.

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