Information
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen summoned the senior US diplomat in Copenhagen after reports emerged that individuals linked to former US President Donald Trump’s administration had carried out covert influence operations in Greenland. According to Danish broadcaster DR, at least three unnamed US citizens attempted to manipulate political sentiment on the Arctic island, including compiling lists of Greenlanders who were supportive or opposed to US control. Copenhagen sees such interference as a direct violation of its sovereignty, with Rasmussen calling it “unacceptable” and affirming that Denmark would not tolerate foreign covert activity on its territory. The US Embassy in Copenhagen, currently led by chargé d’affaires Mark Stroh, has not publicly clarified whether the individuals were acting independently or under official direction.
The revelations come amid heightened sensitivity over Greenland’s strategic and economic importance. Rich in minerals and situated in a key Arctic location, the island has long drawn US interest, with Trump openly expressing a desire to bring Greenland under American control. Earlier reports suggested that US intelligence agencies had been tasked with studying Greenland’s independence movement and public opinion on US resource extraction. These developments have fueled Danish fears of external attempts to undermine Greenlandic democracy and weaken ties between Greenland and Denmark, complicating Copenhagen’s broader role within NATO and the EU.
Source: Reuters, AFP, AP
So What
The operations could result in a significant political fallout between the two countries, potentially leading Denmark to expel the US military presence in Greenland. While this outcome is still unlikely, it would represent a major loss for the US, which relies on the base for Arctic intelligence collection. Regardless, such a move would likely damage the trust between the US and Denmark, as well as affect relations between the US and the EU.
Follow us to join the intelligence community!