Immigration became a global talking point after President Donald Trump made comments that drew attention abroad. On December 9, during a rally in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, Trump questioned why more people from Nordic countries were not moving to the United States.
He criticized immigration from other regions and suggested that countries like Norway, Sweden, and Denmark should send “nice people” to the U.S. He contrasted these nations with others in harsh terms, saying the U.S. takes immigrants from countries experiencing serious challenges instead of places he considers desirable. His remarks quickly spread on social media and sparked international discussion.
Trump also said he had asked Democrat lawmakers why the U.S. only takes immigrants from struggling countries and questioned why it could not take a few people from Nordic nations. He called for sending “some nice people” from these countries and emphasized his frustration with the current immigration system.
Norwegian Musician Chris Lund’s Viral Response
Following the speech, Norwegian vocalist Chris Lund, 43, shared his thoughts on why people in Norway would not want to move to the U.S. He reviewed Trump’s “offer” and explained why the United States is less appealing compared with Norway. His post went viral, receiving tens of thousands of likes and sparking debates worldwide.
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Lund compared life in Norway to conditions in the U.S. He highlighted vacation time, noting that Norwegians are legally entitled to five weeks of paid leave, while Americans often receive only two weeks. He also mentioned parental leave, which in Norway totals 12 months after a child is born and can be extended for up to three years if parents return part-time. In contrast, U.S. maternity or paternity leave is minimal or not guaranteed.
Healthcare was another major point. Norway provides universal healthcare funded through taxes, while in the U.S., healthcare is mostly private and expensive, with some people relying on crowdfunding to cover medical bills. Lund also criticized public safety, noting that violent incidents are often met with “thoughts and prayers” rather than policy action.
In his viral post, he humorously compared moving to the U.S. to leaving a “spa to work in a busy hot dog stand” and concluded, “Thanks, but we will stay in the snow”. Many agreed with him, praising the comparison, while others criticized his remarks.
Lund said he had previously visited the U.S. and met “amazing, welcoming people”, and at one point moving there had been a real consideration. However, he explained that from his current viewpoint, the U.S. now looks less like a dream destination and more like a cautionary example. Free healthcare and a balanced life, he said, were far more important.
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Mixed Reactions and Official Response
The post prompted strong reactions online. Some Americans joked that they wished they could move to Norway. Others accused Lund of interfering in U.S. affairs or insulting the country.
The White House responded through spokesperson Abigail Jackson, stating that the United States is “the greatest country in the world.” She added that immigrants who complain, fail to contribute, or refuse to assimilate should not be in the U.S. Her statement did not address the comparisons about vacation, parental leave, or healthcare.
Lund said the discussion is not about obsession with the U.S. but observation. He explained that American politics and policies affect economies and societies worldwide, so people in other countries naturally pay attention. He also noted the irony that if Norwegians did immigrate and vote, they would likely support policies Trump calls “socialism”.
The exchange highlights a cultural gap. While the U.S. is often called the land of opportunity, people from countries like Norway often measure opportunity differently, valuing social benefits, healthcare, and family support. The viral discussion became a global conversation about living standards, immigration, and how the U.S. is perceived from abroad.