Norway responded to Donald Trump’s description of the country as a “shithouse” by launching a promotional campaign highlighting its scenic public restrooms, nos.nl reported. The tourist board countered the remarks made during a Michigan political rally by sharing idyllic images of modern sanitary architecture set against fjords and snowy mountains.
The diplomatic friction began when Trump expressed frustration over missing out on the Nobel Peace Prize, whose committee is appointed by the Norwegian parliament. During a campaign stop in Port Huron, Michigan, ahead of midterm elections, Trump stated he wished to welcome migrants from certain nations while excluding Norway. He added that the country had “become a shithouse country actually.”
Tourism Bureau Turns Insult Into Viral Campaign
Capitalizing on the online attention, Visit Norway repurposed a collection of striking public facilities originally gathered for World Toilet Day, nos.nl reported. The marketing organization published the photos online under the slogan “Norway makes shithouses great again!” nos.nl
Featured locations include the cliffside restroom at the Stegastein viewpoint, overlooking the Aurlandsfjord, where tourists are cautioned not to drop their phones while photographing the scenery. Another highlighted stop is the Flesefossen waterfall along the Ryfylke tourist route, which pairs a restroom stop with views of rushing water, alongside a golden toilet facility on the island of Senja.
Trump says he doesn’t want immigrants from Norway because he didn’t get the Nobel Peace Prize.“Norway sucks. Norway has become a shithouse country.” pic.twitter.com/C1jfH7A3Qa
The golden facility on Senja appears to reference a prior dispute involving Trump and the Guggenheim Museum in New York, nos.nl noted. During his first term, Trump requested to borrow a Van Gogh painting for his private residence in the White House, prompting the museum to offer a fully functioning solid-gold toilet by artist Maurizio Cattelan as an alternative.
Public praise for toilet campaign contrasts with Trump's remarks
Evgenia Egorova, head of social media for Visit Norway, told the Associated Press that public responses to the toilet campaign have been overwhelmingly positive. “If life gives you lemons or this sort of statements, just make lemonade and viral content out of it,” Egorova said.
The International Monetary Fund ranks Norway among the wealthiest nations per capita, standing in direct contrast to Trump’s characterization. Alongside his remarks on Norway, Trump also addressed immigration policies regarding Norway. The Nobel Peace Prize for the preceding year was awarded to Venezuelan politician María Corina Machado, while the most recent prize went to former International Criminal Court judge Navi Pillay.
Following Trump’s remarks, the Norwegian government emphasized that the Nobel Committee operates independently. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide told NRK, "The Nobel Committee is independent, and Norway has long communicated this fact." No formal diplomatic protests were issued, but the statement emphasized the separation between Norway's role in appointing the committee and its operational autonomy.
Trump’s comment about Norway as a “sit house-land,” a term he has previously used for countries like Yemen, Somalia, Libya, and Haiti, was part of a broader critique of immigration. He also stated he would not welcome Norwegian migrants, citing his frustration over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. “Want ik kreeg de Nobelprijs niet,” he said, translating to “Because I didn’t get the Nobel Prize.”
Did you know?
Norway features eighteen designated national tourist routes where public facilities have received international architecture awards for blending modern design with rugged natural landscapes, reported.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Diplomatic Exchange
Which specific comment sparked the Norwegian campaign?
Donald Trump criticized Norway during a campaign rally in Michigan, stating he would not welcome immigrants from the country because he did not receive the Nobel Peace Prize, and labeled the nation a “shithouse country.”
How does the Norwegian government influence the Nobel Peace Prize?
The Norwegian government has no control over the accolade; the Norwegian parliament appoints the members of the independent Nobel Committee, as confirmed by Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.
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