Washington, DC – US President Donald Trump offered his condolences on Saturday morning, August 29, 2026, on the passing of King Harald V of Norway, describing his death as a “great loss” on both humanitarian and political levels. This comes despite the deep tensions that have recently characterized relations between Washington and Oslo over the Greenland crisis.
In a message of condolence posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump praised the late monarch, who passed away on Friday at the age of 89. He described him as “a strong, majestic, and deeply respected man.” He also noted that the king dedicated his life to his country and was surrounded by the genuine affection and respect of his people. Trump added in his post: “Our hearts go out to the Royal Family and the entire people of Norway during this difficult time. This is truly a great loss.”
This presidential stance comes at a time of noticeably strained diplomatic relations between Norway and the Trump administration, as the US president is not widely popular among the Norwegian public. This is particularly true after he provoked the ire of his Scandinavian allies with his repeated threats to seize the strategic Arctic island of Greenland, which belongs to the neighboring Kingdom of Denmark.
Beyond the geopolitical dimensions, Trump harbors a known grudge against Norwegian officials for their perceived role in denying him the Nobel Peace Prize, traditionally awarded annually in Oslo. He made his disappointment clear last January, summarizing his position by saying, “I have lost a lot of respect for Norway,” a clear indication of his firm belief that he was more deserving of this prestigious international honor. This has repeatedly strained bilateral relations.
