Trump labels Norway ‘a sh*thouse country’ after he was overlooked for Nobel Peace Prize again
Donald Trump called Norway a “sh*thouse country” at a Michigan rally after again criticising the decision not to award him the Nobel Peace Prize. He linked his remarks to immigration, saying he would not welcome immigrants from Norway, though the article reports no sign of a new US policy towards Norwegian immigrants.
Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said the Nobel Committee is independent of the Norwegian government. The rally took place less than two weeks before the US midterm elections, with Trump’s approval rating reported at 36 per cent in one poll average and 61 per cent of respondents disapproving. Trump also attacked Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, comparing him to the 9/11 hijackers.
In short
- Trump insulted Norway over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.
- Norway’s foreign minister stressed the prize committee is independent.
- Trump also made attacks on a Michigan Senate candidate at the rally.
Explained simply
The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, whose members are appointed by Norway’s parliament. The committee makes its decision independently of the Norwegian government, so Norway’s foreign minister does not decide who receives the prize.
Donald Trump has repeatedly said he deserved the prize, which recognises work towards peace. His comments about immigrants came at a campaign rally in Michigan, where he was also criticising a candidate for the US Senate.
The remarks came shortly before US midterm elections, when voters choose members of Congress, including senators. The president’s party’s standing in those elections can affect how easily his administration advances its plans.