Trump Releases Private Diplomatic Texts Highlighting Greenland Dispute and G7 Plans
Updated (3 articles)
Trump Publishes Verified Texts From European Leaders Trump posted verbatim messages from French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte, and Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (co‑signed by Finland’s President Alexander Stubb) on Truth Social on Jan 20, confirming authenticity with the White House, the French presidency and NATO [1][3]. The exchanges cover Syria, Iran, Gaza, Ukraine and a contentious Greenland issue [1][2]. By releasing the private correspondence, Trump shifted a diplomatic dialogue into the public arena [1].
Macron Aligns on Middle East, Questions Greenland Macron opened his text with “My friend,” signaling a deferential tone, and affirmed that France and the United States are “totally in line on Syria” and can achieve “great things on Iran” [2][1]. He then asked, “I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland,” and invited cooperation to “build great things” [2]. Macron also proposed a post‑Davos G7 gathering in Paris, with a dinner and possible talks that could include Ukraine, Russia, Denmark and Syria [2][1].
Rutte Praises Syria Success, Offers Greenland Path Rutte’s message praised Trump’s “incredible” achievements in Syria and promised to highlight them at Davos while also committing to “find a way forward on Greenland” [1][3]. He indicated he would showcase Trump’s work on Gaza and Ukraine at the summit [1]. NATO confirmed the authenticity of Rutte’s text, underscoring allied support for the U.S. stance on Greenland [1].
Støre and Stubb Seek De‑Escalation Call Støre, joined by Stubb, proposed a same‑day phone call with Trump to de‑escalate tensions over Greenland, Gaza, Ukraine and tariff disputes [1]. Their message emphasized a willingness to coordinate with allies to reduce friction [1]. This diplomatic overture is absent from the Newsweek report, highlighting a reporting gap [3].
Trump Ties NATO Role and Nobel to Greenland In his reply, Trump asserted that NATO should do “more for the United States” and reiterated Greenland as a “strategic priority” [1]. He added a provocative remark about not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, linking the award to his Greenland ambitions [1][2]. The comment reflects a combative tone absent from the other outlets’ coverage [3].
Sources (3 articles)
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[1]
AP: Trump shares text messages from Macron, Norway's Støre and NATO's Mark Rutte: Details Trump’s public release of verified texts covering Syria, Iran, Gaza, Ukraine and Greenland, plus proposals for a Paris G7 meeting and dinner .
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[2]
AP: Macron's private tone softer than public critique on Greenland: Highlights Macron’s deferential opening, alignment on Middle‑East issues, confusion over Greenland policy, and invitation to broader diplomatic engagement .
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[3]
Newsweek: Trump posts private texts from NATO chief and Macron amid Greenland tensions: Focuses on the screenshots of Macron’s congratulatory note and Rutte’s praise, emphasizing the Greenland dispute and proposed expanded G7 summit .
Timeline
Jan 20, 2026 – Early morning – Trump sends a private text to Norway’s prime minister that ties his Greenland stance to the fact he has not received the Nobel Peace Prize, writing “Complete and Total Control of Greenland.” The Norwegian government releases the message and the White House confirms its authenticity, highlighting the diplomatic friction over the Arctic island. [2]
Jan 20, 2026 – Shortly after – Norway’s leader publicly confirms a leaked exchange that shows tense correspondence between President Trump and NATO officials, underscoring the growing strain in trans‑Atlantic security talks. [1]
Jan 20, 2026 09:33 UTC – Trump posts on Truth Social screenshots of private texts from NATO Secretary‑General Mark Rutte and French President Emmanuel Macron. The posts feature Macron’s congratulatory note on Trump’s Middle‑East work and a puzzling question, “I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland.” [1]
Jan 20, 2026 12:40 UTC – Macron’s office verifies that his private message to Trump is genuine. The text opens with the friendly salutation “My friend,” then stresses that France and the United States are “totally in line on Syria” and can achieve “great things on Iran” before turning to Greenland, where he asks, “I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland,” and invites cooperation. [2]
Jan 20, 2026 13:12 UTC – Trump shares additional exchanges, including a joint note from Norway’s Jonas Gahr Støre and Finland’s Alexander Stubb proposing a de‑escalation call on Greenland, Gaza, Ukraine and tariff disputes. Rutte’s message praises Trump’s Syria achievements, promises to highlight them at Davos, and pledges to “find a way forward on Greenland.” Trump replies that NATO must do more for the United States and reiterates Greenland’s strategic priority, adding a provocative jab about the Nobel Peace Prize. [3]
Jan 20, 2026 15:55 UTC – Macron proposes a post‑Davos G7 gathering in Paris that would invite not only the traditional seven members but also Denmark, Ukraine, Syria and Russia, followed by a dinner with Trump before the president returns to the United States. The suggestion signals Macron’s push for a broader multilateral framework to address the Greenland dispute and other security issues. [2]
Historical context (relevant to the story) – The United States has long coveted Greenland, most famously proposing a purchase in 2019 that was rebuffed by Denmark, and maintains a strategic air base at Thule since 1951. NATO’s collective defense mandate, established in 1949, now faces internal pressure as the alliance’s northern flank becomes a flashpoint between U.S. ambitions and European caution. [1][3]