Norway has recently embraced a touch of humor in response to comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who referred to the Scandinavian country as a “shithouse” during a political rally. This incident has sparked a creative tourism initiative that highlights the beauty of Norway’s public restrooms, turning what could have been a diplomatic snub into an engaging marketing campaign.
Following Trump’s remarks, which were made in Port Huron, Michigan, the Norwegian tourism agency, Visit Norway, launched a playful guide showcasing “some of the world’s most beautiful and spectacular toilets” set against the backdrop of Norway’s breathtaking landscapes. This clever response not only highlights Norway’s stunning scenery but also serves to counteract Trump’s derogatory comments.
Trump’s negative sentiment toward Norway isn’t new; it has been a recurring theme in his rhetoric. He expressed discontent with the Norwegian Nobel Committee after international jurist Navi Pillay was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize earlier this month. His earlier comments in 2018, which labeled Haiti and African nations as “shithole countries,” drew widespread criticism and highlighted a controversial trend in his public statements regarding immigration and global relations. At that time, he had expressed a preference for immigrants from countries like Norway.
In direct response to Trump’s latest outburst, Visit Norway cheekily marketed their campaign with the slogan “Norway makes shithouses great again.” This initiative has resonated with audiences, with the agency humorously acknowledging Trump’s comments while promoting the unique architectural beauty of their public restrooms. In a tweet, Visit Norway stated, “So, we heard some noise about ‘s…house country.’ What can we say, we do have some of the world’s most beautiful and spectacular toilets.”
Norway’s toilets are not merely functional; many have become architectural attractions in their own right. For instance, the free toilets at the Stegastein viewpoint, which overlook the breathtaking Aurlandsfjord, were rated the best public toilets in the world by DesignCurial in 2015. With large windows that afford users stunning views while ensuring privacy, these facilities have become a must-see for visitors.
Evgenia Egorova, the social media lead for Visit Norway, expressed her delight at the overwhelmingly positive reaction to their campaign. She noted that they had previously created similar content for World Toilet Day, which occurs on November 19 each year. “When life gives you lemons or quotes like this, you just do the lemonade — and all the viral content,” she said, capturing the lighthearted spirit of their response.
Visit Norway’s campaign also features the “Gulldassen,” or Golden Toilet, located on Senja Island. This triangular restroom, constructed in 2014, has gained popularity as a quirky rest stop for tourists seeking a unique experience.
Interestingly, Trump’s previous encounters with golden toilets have also made headlines. Earlier this year, a golden toilet was displayed on the National Mall as a form of artistic protest against Trump’s renovations of the White House. Additionally, during his first term, a humorous request from the Guggenheim Museum to lend a Van Gogh painting to the White House was met with a cheeky offer to borrow an 18-karat solid gold toilet, titled “America,” by artist Maurizio Cattelan, which was meant to satirize excessive wealth.
As the campaign continues to gain traction, it serves as a reminder of how humor can be an effective tool in diplomacy and public relations. By turning an insult into an opportunity, Norway has not only defended its reputation but also showcased its stunning landscapes and unique attractions.
Dazio, a journalist who recently visited Norway, experienced the facilities at the Stegastein viewpoint, further underscoring the effectiveness of Visit Norway’s clever campaign.
Contributions to this report were also made by Associated Press journalist Molly Quell in The Hague, Netherlands, who added a touch of levity to the ongoing dialogue surrounding these events.
