A series of private messages exchanged between former US President Donald Trump and several European leaders regarding the ownership of Greenland have been unexpectedly made public, sparking widespread debate and concern.
Trump has pledged to tell European leaders at this week’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that “the United States must own Greenland.”
Diplomacy has traditionally been viewed as a quiet process, conducted discreetly behind closed doors. However, these latest developments mark a sharp departure from that tradition.
Below are the full messages, along with expert analysis provided to the BBC on how they should be interpreted.
Testing the Limits of Power
The leaked exchanges come at a time when Trump is increasingly seen as testing the boundaries of presidential authority and international norms.
The messages shed light on a broader transformation in global diplomacy—one that is more public, more personal, and far less restrained than in the past.
The Message Between Trump and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre
Released by the Office of Prime Minister Støre following a Freedom of Information request submitted by the BBC on 18 January at 14:48 GMT.
From Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre:
Mr President, dear Donald — a message concerning transatlantic relations more broadly, including Greenland, Gaza, Ukraine, and yesterday’s tariff announcement.
You are well aware of our position on these issues. However, I believe it is in all our interests to work toward de-escalation rather than escalation. Much is happening around us, and we need to stand united.
The message reflects a careful and conciliatory diplomatic tone, emphasizing unity and restraint at a time of mounting global instability.
Later in the same exchange, Støre—together with Finnish President Alexander Stubb—suggested holding a phone call later in the day, either jointly or separately, to clarify Trump’s preferences.
Trump’s Response: A Shift Away From Diplomatic Convention
Trump’s reply, however, took a markedly different tone:
Dear Jonas: Considering that your country decided not to award me the Nobel Peace Prize for stopping eight wars and more, I no longer feel obliged to think only in terms of peace—although peace will always be important. Right now, I must think about what is best and appropriate for the United States.
Denmark cannot protect that territory from Russia or China. So why should they have the “right” to own it?
There are no written documents—only claims that a ship arrived there hundreds of years ago. We had ships reach there too.
I have done more for NATO than anyone else since its founding. Now NATO must do something for the United States.
The world will not be safe until we gain full control of Greenland.
Thank you. President DJT.
The message is striking for its bluntness and its rejection of established diplomatic language, reflecting Trump’s belief that security interests outweigh historical or legal claims.
Experts: Diplomacy Is Changing
Former NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu told the BBC that the episode demonstrates how diplomatic norms have been eroding for some time—not only because of Trump, but also because of the broader digital and political environment.
“It is highly unusual for private communications between leaders to be made public,” she said. “But this is part of President Trump’s approach—conducting diplomacy in public. You could call it ‘megaphone diplomacy.’”
Mark Weller, Professor of International Law at the University of Cambridge and a former adviser to governments and international organizations, agreed:
“High-level exchanges between states are normally drafted with great care to avoid misunderstandings or unintended escalation. This approach does not seem to concern President Trump.”
A Leaked Message From French President Emmanuel Macron
Posted by Trump on Truth Social, 19 January at 12:01 GMT
From President Emmanuel Macron to President Trump:
My friend,
We are fully aligned on Syria.
We can achieve significant progress on Iran.
I do not understand what you are doing with Greenland.
Let us try to build something big:
1) I can organize a G7 meeting in Paris after Davos on Thursday afternoon, inviting Ukrainians, Danes, Syrians, and Russians.
2) Let us have dinner together in Paris on Thursday before you return to the United States.
Emmanuel
Macron’s Message: Diplomatic Risk or Necessary Engagement?
François-Joseph Schichan, a former French diplomat, said the leaked message could be embarrassing for Macron.
“At the very beginning, Macron admits something he would never say publicly—that he does not understand Trump’s approach to Greenland,” Schichan explained. “That exposure can be damaging.”
However, Schichan noted that Macron’s invitation to a G7 meeting was “exactly the right move” and reflected traditional diplomacy at its best.
Yet he warned that such methods may no longer work:
“Macron is trying to practice classic diplomacy, but it does not work with Trump. He posts private messages on Truth Social and blows up the plan.”
“This is another sign of how international diplomacy is breaking down. You used to be able to speak privately. Now you never know if your message will end up on social media.”
A Message From NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte
Posted by Trump on Truth Social, 20 January at 06:53 GMT
From NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to Donald Trump:
Mr President, dear Donald — what you achieved in Syria today is remarkable.
I will use this when speaking to the media in Davos to highlight your work in Syria, Gaza, and Ukraine.
I am committed to finding a solution regarding Greenland.
I look forward very much to seeing you.
Mark
Consistency vs. Contradiction
Lungescu described Rutte’s message as unusual but notable for its consistency:
“Rutte’s private message reflects what he says publicly,” she said. “Other leaders may sound tough in public but seek compromise behind closed doors.”
She warned that this environment carries serious risks:
“What was once confidential is no longer secure. If leaders focus on projecting strength on social media, the danger is that diplomacy becomes about rhetoric rather than real problem-solving behind the scenes.”
A New Era of Diplomacy
Taken together, the leaked messages illustrate a profound shift in how international diplomacy is conducted—one where private channels are fragile, public platforms dominate, and long-standing norms are increasingly sidelined.
For allies and adversaries alike, the question is no longer just what leaders say—but where, how, and to whom they say it.
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