Washington, D.C. – January 20, 2026 — A prominent physician and former cardiologist to Vice President Dick Cheney has publicly urged Congress to launch a bipartisan investigation into President Donald Trump’s fitness for office, citing a recent diplomatic message that has raised fresh concerns about the president’s mental state.
Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a CNN medical analyst and professor of medicine, made the call following reports of a text message President Trump sent to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. In the message, Trump linked his longstanding push for U.S. control over Greenland—a semi-autonomous Danish territory—to his failure to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, which is awarded by an independent Norwegian committee.
According to accounts confirmed by Norwegian officials and reported across major outlets, Trump wrote: “Considering your Country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped 8 Wars PLUS, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of Peace, although it will always be predominant, but can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America.” He concluded by asserting that global security requires “Complete and Total Control of Greenland.”
The National Security Council reportedly distributed the message to ambassadors from several European countries, amplifying its unusual nature. Reiner responded sharply on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “This letter, and the fact that the president directed that it be distributed to other European countries, should trigger a bipartisan congressional inquiry into presidential fitness.”
Reiner, who treated Cheney during his time in office, has previously expressed concerns about Trump’s health, including observations of potential cognitive changes and inconsistencies in reported medical regimens. His latest statement has reignited broader debates about the president’s stability, with some critics pointing to the message as evidence of erratic thinking tied to personal grievances.
The Greenland issue has been a recurring theme for Trump, dating back to his first term when he floated the idea of purchasing the island. Recent escalations include threats of tariffs on several European nations—Denmark, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, Britain, and Norway—unless the U.S. gains control. European leaders have responded firmly, with a joint statement from multiple countries reaffirming support for Greenland’s autonomy and Denmark’s sovereignty while condemning the threats.
Norwegian Prime Minister Støre confirmed receipt of the message and clarified that the Nobel Peace Prize is decided independently by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, not the government. He emphasized Norway’s commitment to de-escalation and dialogue.
The episode has drawn widespread attention, with commentators describing the communication as extraordinary and potentially indicative of deeper issues. While no formal congressional action has been announced as of January 20, 2026, Reiner’s call has fueled discussions about invoking mechanisms like the 25th Amendment, though such steps remain highly unlikely in the current political climate.
As international tensions over Greenland persist and Trump prepares for upcoming engagements, including at Davos, the controversy underscores ongoing questions about leadership stability at a time of heightened global challenges.
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