Trump Calls Norway a 'Sh*thouse Country' After Nobel Snub
The former president launched into a tirade against Norway during a rally in Michigan, linking the nation's perceived failings to immigration and his disappointment over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.
Former President Donald Trump escalated his criticism of Norway, referring to it as a "sh*thouse country" during a political rally in Port Huron, Michigan. Trump's remarks on Sunday came after he was again overlooked for the Nobel Peace Prize, an award he believes he deserved.
Attributing recent unrest in France to immigration, Trump stated that while he would welcome immigrants from some countries, he would not from Norway due to his perceived slight by the Nobel Committee. "I'm not in love with Norway. Frankly, Norway sucks. Norway has become a sh*thouse country, actually," Trump said, a term he has previously used to describe Haiti, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide responded to the comments, telling national broadcaster NRK that "He knows very well that the Nobel Committee is independent." Trump had earlier described the committee's failure to award him the prize as an "indelible stain" on Norway.
Trump's rally in Michigan was held less than two weeks before the midterm elections. His appearance coincided with efforts by the Republican party to defy historical trends in the upcoming elections, despite Trump's approval rating being at 36 percent, according to The New York Times average. His approval rating had seen a slight decrease over the past month, with 61 percent of respondents disapproving of his job performance.
During the event, Trump also drew parallels between Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and the attackers involved in the September 11, 2001, attacks. He urged voters to prevent El-Sayed, who would be the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate, from winning the election. "Twenty-five years later, Michigan needs to stand up and fight, just like Todd [Beamer] did, to stop a jihadist from walking into the Capitol," Trump stated, referencing a passenger who fought back on United Flight 93.
Trump claimed that if El-Sayed were elected, he would be the only senator required to pass through a metal detector, a claim that overlooks standard security procedures for the U.S. Capitol and bypasses for members of Congress. He made these remarks shortly after El-Sayed campaigned with former President Barack Obama in Detroit.
The rally also saw disruptions from protesters, whom Trump characterized as "paid protesters" receiving $250 to cause disturbances. As one protester stood up, Trump called for law enforcement to remove them from the premises.
Trump also reiterated his stance on trade with Canada, asserting that Canada "has been ripping off" the U.S. He predicted that the trade dispute would be resolved soon.
Rapper Nicki Minaj joined Trump on stage, expressing her continued support for him. Before her remarks, Trump commented on Minaj's appearance, making a remark about her posterior. He also made a similar comment about the backside of GOP Ohio Senate candidate Jon Husted.
Trump has been incorporating celebrity endorsements into his campaign appearances, with previous guests including boxers Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather, and country music artist Jason Aldean.