Mocked by Trump as a “shit hole country,” Norway responds with elegance: Let toilets be great again!
When it comes to the most amusing diplomatic comebacks in recent international affairs, Norway’s tourism board deserves a standing ovation.
The incident originated during one of Donald Trump’s campaign rallies ahead of the midterm elections.
In a speech touching on immigration, he veered off course. While stating that people from other nations could immigrate to the United States, he explicitly excluded Norwegians—citing a blunt reason: Norway had not awarded him a Nobel Prize, so he did not want its citizens. From there, he delivered a scathing remark: Norway had become a thoroughly rotten “shit hole country.”
Familiar with his rhetorical style, observers knew this was not his first time deploying such language—Haiti, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen had previously been subjected to similar epithets.
But this time, the target was unusual. Trump’s frustration stemmed entirely from the Nobel Peace Prize, which he believed should have gone to him.
Shortly before, the prize was awarded to South Africa’s human rights pioneer Navi Pillay—someone far from Trump’s preferred candidate. Despite repeated clarifications from Norway that the Nobel Committee operates independently and has no ties to the Norwegian government, Trump remained unconvinced.
One might have expected a formal protest or diplomatic note in response. Instead, Norway’s tourism agency, Visit Norway, took an unexpected turn.
Embracing the nickname with self-aware irony, the agency launched a clever promotional campaign centered on the theme: “You called us a ‘shit hole’? Fine—come see just how magnificent our toilets are.”
They rolled out a series of bold, visually striking advertisements, with slogans like: “Norway makes toilets great again!”
On social media, they leaned into the joke: “We’ve heard rumors about being a ‘shit hole country’… To be honest, we do possess some of the most beautiful, awe-inspiring restrooms in the world.”
This was no mere jest. These facilities are architectural marvels, designed to blend seamlessly with stunning natural landscapes.
The Ureddplassen restroom along the Helgeland coast, shaped like waves, has long been a popular photo spot. Another in Lyngdal features walls covered in moss, exuding a tranquil, immersive atmosphere. The restroom at the Sognefjord viewpoint has been named among the world’s top ten public toilets. Others include a golden-hued facility on Senja Island and a solar-powered restroom nestled in a fjord landscape.
While seated, visitors are greeted by panoramic views of fjords, snow-capped mountains, and endless blue seas.
The tourism board invited travelers: “Whether you’re genuinely in need of a restroom or simply seeking a scenic stop, it’s worth a special trip.”
A dedicated section on their website proudly asserts: “While many view restrooms as mundane and unremarkable, in Norway, they’ve become tourist attractions in their own right.”
They also hinted at more extraordinary public toilets to come.
This response stands as a textbook example of strategic diplomacy.
No confrontation. No defensive posturing. No diplomatic back-and-forth. Instead, Norway transformed a derisive label into a compelling travel narrative.
Where others saw mockery, Norway saw opportunity: Yes, our toilets are a benchmark of excellence.
Many online users found the reply humorous: Trump likely never anticipated that a single sarcastic comment would generate free global publicity for Norway’s unique public restrooms. The calm, witty, and self-assured tone displayed here reflects a rare level of sophistication.
Source: CNN report, Visit Norway official website
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1880523210136586/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.