Norway Responds After Trump Calls Country a 'S***house'

Former President Donald Trump's recent denunciation of Norway as a "s***house country" has drawn a measured response from Norwegian officials, who have largely dismissed the remarks as politically motivated and emphasized their nation's strengths.

During a rally in Port Huron, Michigan, Trump expressed frustration over not being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, which was given to South African human rights lawyer Navanethem Pillay. He stated his displeasure with Norway, the home of the Nobel Committee, calling it a "s***house country" and suggesting a reduction in Norwegian immigration to the U.S.

This is not the first time Trump has made critical remarks about immigration from perceived "s***hole countries" while advocating for migrants from nations like Norway. In 2018, he reportedly questioned why the U.S. was not accepting more immigrants from "nice countries" such as Norway.

Norwegian officials have reiterated that the Nobel Committee operates independently and has no influence over its decisions. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide told the public broadcaster NRK that "He knows very well that the Nobel committee is independent." Eide suggested Trump's comments were likely campaign rhetoric, noting that the former president's party might not be performing well in upcoming elections.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store was reportedly busy with diplomatic calls, including discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding peace negotiations with Ukraine, when Trump's remarks surfaced.

Critics and Norwegian citizens have pushed back against Trump's assessment by highlighting Norway's high quality of life and strong economy. Norway ranks among the highest-income countries by GDP per capita, with its sovereign wealth fund posting significant profits. Statistics frequently cited by critics show Norway outperforming the U.S. in areas such as life expectancy, infant mortality, obesity rates, press freedom, and the World Happiness Rank.

Data from the Norwegian government indicates a trend of more Americans emigrating to Norway than Norwegians moving to the U.S. In 2025, 1,529 American citizens moved to Norway, compared to 1,005 Norwegians who relocated to the United States.

Some Norwegians have used social media to share positive aspects of their country, including universal healthcare, subsidized childcare, and accessible higher education. Viral videos, some generated by AI, have humorously depicted Norwegian figures politely refuting Trump's claims.

Concerns about Trump's desire for the Nobel Peace Prize have been a recurring theme, with reports suggesting he is "obsessed" with winning the award. He has previously sought international nominations, citing his efforts to end conflicts. Last year, the physical Nobel Peace Prize medal was presented to Trump by Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, the recipient of the 2025 prize. However, the Nobel Committee clarified that this did not signify Trump's official award of the prize.

Following the perceived slight, Trump reportedly informed the Norwegian Prime Minister that he no longer felt obligated to "think purely of Peace" and renewed his demand for control over Greenland, a territory administered by Denmark.