Trump makes surprise call to Norwegian finance minister to discuss Nobel Peace Prize

US President Donald Trump reportedly surprised Norway’s Finance Minister Jens Stoltenberg with an unexpected call last month, discussing both trade tariffs and his own potential candidacy for the Nobel Peace Prize.

The outreach was first reported by Norwegian newspaper Dagens Næringsliv and later confirmed to POLITICO by an Oslo government official. Stoltenberg, who previously served as NATO secretary-general, said the call included several of Trump’s aides, including Treasury Secretary Bessent and Trade Representative Greer.

“It is true that President Trump called me a few days before his conversation with Prime Minister Støre. Several of the president’s staff members also participated in the conversation,” Stoltenberg told POLITICO. “We discussed tariffs, economic cooperation, and it served as preparation for his call with Prime Minister Støre. I will not go into further detail about the content of the conversation.”

Read more: MAP: Which countries have nominated Trump for Nobel Peace Prize?

Trump has mentioned the Nobel Peace Prize in previous conversations with Stoltenberg, according to the Norwegian report. His recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska may also play a role in his peace credentials, particularly in relation to the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

Since returning to office in January, Trump has touted his efforts to ease international tensions, including his involvement in de-escalating clashes between India and Pakistan and hosting leaders from Armenia and Azerbaijan to discuss long-standing conflicts. Several countries, including 'Israel', Pakistan, and Cambodia, have reportedly nominated him for the prestigious award.

If awarded, Trump would join a small group of US presidents who have received the prize, including Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Jimmy Carter, and Barack Obama.

Reflecting on the award in February during a meeting with 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said, “They will never give me a Nobel Peace Prize. It’s too bad. I deserve it, but they will never give it to me.”

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later commented on July 31, calling it “well past time” for Trump to receive the honor.