Trump’s Claim of Norwegian Hosting for ‘Peace Council’ Met with Swift Rejection
US President Donald Trump’s assertion that Norway has agreed to host an event for his newly formed “Board of Peace” (referred to as the ‘Peace Council’ in some reports) has been firmly refuted by the Norwegian Foreign Ministry. The discrepancy highlights ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Norway, particularly regarding the President’s pursuit of international recognition and his unconventional approach to peace initiatives.
A Case of Mistaken Identity?
During a press conference on Thursday, February 19, 2026, Trump stated that Norway had consented to host an event for the Board of Peace. He even suggested he initially believed a notification regarding Norway signaled an impending Nobel Peace Prize announcement. However, the Norwegian Foreign Ministry clarified that the invitation pertains to a different matter entirely: hosting the next meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) for Palestine, scheduled for later this spring.
“The aim is that Norway will invite to the next meeting in the giverlandsgruppen for Palestine (AHLC) now in the spring,” stated press spokesperson Ane Jørem. “USA is together with the EU, deputy leaders in this group which has existed for a long time. We are in contact with the USA about how we likewise can talk about the peace plan for Gaza there.”
Norway’s Firm Stance
Norway has previously declined an invitation to join Trump’s Board of Peace, and this position remains unchanged. “Norway has clearly communicated that we will not become a member of the Board of Peace, and this position remains firm,” Jørem emphasized. This rejection aligns with Norway’s established foreign policy principles, which prioritize collaboration through established international frameworks like the United Nations.
International Response and Concerns
The Board of Peace has faced criticism for potentially undermining the role of the United Nations and established international law. Over 60 countries received invitations to participate, with 25 accepting. Several European nations, including France, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Canada, have declined to join.
The structure of the Board of Peace, with Trump as its lifetime leader and possessing sole veto power, has also raised concerns. UD-topp Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik has previously stated that participation in the current form of Trump’s peace council is “impossible” for Norway, given its commitment to the UN and international law.
The AHLC: A Long-Standing Commitment
The AHLC, which Norway will host, has been in existence since 1993. As the chair of the group, alongside the US and EU as vice-chairs, Norway plays a crucial role in coordinating international aid and support for the Palestinian people. The upcoming meeting will focus on discussing a peace plan for Gaza, demonstrating Norway’s continued dedication to a multilateral approach to conflict resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Board of Peace?
- It’s a new international organization launched by Donald Trump, intended to address global conflicts.
- Why did Trump think Norway agreed to host a Board of Peace event?
- He reportedly misread a notification about Norway hosting a meeting of the AHLC.
- What is the AHLC?
- The Ad Hoc Liaison Committee for Palestine is a group that has existed since 1993, focused on coordinating international aid for the Palestinian people.
- What is Norway’s position on Trump’s Board of Peace?
- Norway has declined to join the Board of Peace and maintains that position.
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