Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide responded on Monday to US President Donald Trump’s criticism of Norway, stressing that Trump knows the Nobel Committee operates independently of the Norwegian government.

Axar.az reports, citing Anadolu Agency, that Eide said Trump was well aware of the committee’s independence.

“We have reminded him of that, in case anyone is wondering, and that is still the case,” Eide said.

Eide's remarks came after Trump criticized Norway over his failure to receive this year's Nobel Peace Prize.

Speaking at an election campaign event on Sunday, Trump blamed Norwegian authorities for not awarding him the prize and described Norway as a "sh*t house" country.