Trump Calls Norway a 'Shithouse Country' and Visit Norway Responds 2026

In a recent political rally, Donald Trump called Norway a “shithouse country,” sparking an unexpected response from Visit Norway, the nation's tourism board. The comment came after Trump expressed frustration over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, which is awarded by a Norwegian committee.

The remark, made days before the US midterm elections, has drawn international attention and prompted Norway to respond with humor and pride.

Trump's Insult and the Nobel Connection

During a rally in Michigan, Trump declared, “Frankly, Norway sucks. Norway has become a shithouse country, actually.” He also added that he would welcome migrants from some countries but not Norway, “because I didn’t get the Nobel Prize.”

This is not the first time Trump has used such language; he has previously applied the term to Haiti, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen. His comments came shortly after he denounced the decision to award the Nobel Peace Prize to Navi Pillay, a former international criminal court judge, calling it “an indelible stain on the country of Norway.”

Visit Norway's Creative Response

Instead of taking offense, Visit Norway chose to highlight some of the nation’s most unique public toilets. On its website, the tourism board asked, “Are these the world’s best shit houses?” and proclaimed, “Norway makes shit houses great again!”

The campaign features images of striking public conveniences, with the tagline: “These toilets are worth a visit, both when you really have to go – and when you don’t.” This witty comeback has garnered praise for its lighthearted approach to a diplomatic insult.

Why Norway's Response Matters

Visit Norway's response demonstrates how a country can turn a negative comment into a positive PR opportunity. By embracing the insult with humor, Norway showcases its resilience and creativity.

This approach also highlights the importance of public diplomacy in the digital age, where a quick and clever response can shape international perceptions. The background to this story is set out in Norway Mourns King Harald V: A Nation's Farewell. A related thread runs through Venezuela's Delcy Rodriguez Hails Historic Meeting With Donald Trump.

• Trump's comment was linked to his dissatisfaction over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.
• Visit Norway responded by promoting the country's unique public toilets.
• The tourism board's campaign has been praised for its humor and creativity.
• Norway's response exemplifies effective public diplomacy.
• The incident underscores the impact of Trump's rhetoric on international relations.

Comparing Trump's Past Insults

What This Means for US-Norway Relations

While Trump's comments may strain diplomatic ties, Norway's response suggests a desire to maintain a positive relationship with the US. The tourism board's campaign focuses on shared values and humor rather than confrontation. Earlier coverage in Russian Oligarch Reportedly Funded Donald Trump Jr's Lavish Wedding shows how the argument developed. A closer look at the same subject appears in Burnham's Kyiv Visit Renews Vital Support for Ukraine.

As the US midterms approach, it remains to be seen whether Trump's rhetoric will have lasting effects on international perceptions of Norway. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Finland and Norway Leaders Hold Frank Call With Putin on Ukraine. The same theme surfaces in Trump's Iran Comment on Los Angeles and San Diego Sparks Outrage, which takes a different angle.

FAQ

Trump's comments have certainly stirred the pot, but Norway's clever comeback has turned a potential diplomatic row into a PR win. As the world watches, it's clear that a sense of humor can go a long way in international relations.

For those interested in how other political figures handle controversy, take a look at how Donald Trump met the Irish President in Dublin, or explore the story of Laura Loomer's Ukraine stance after her Kyiv visit.

These stories highlight the unpredictable nature of modern politics and the importance of a well-crafted response.