Things are getting frosty in the North Atlantic! Denmark just summoned the US envoy amidst claims that individuals connected to former President Trump are running secret influence campaigns in Greenland. Is this a new chapter in international diplomacy, or just a misunderstanding?
Denmark has taken a firm diplomatic stance, summoning the top U.S. diplomat after reports surfaced of alleged covert influence operations by individuals connected to former President Donald Trump in the vast, resource-rich territory of Greenland. This extraordinary diplomatic move underscores the escalating tensions and concerns regarding foreign interference in the internal affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark.
The Danish national broadcaster, DR, ignited the controversy with its detailed report, alleging that at least three Americans with ties to the Trump administration have been actively engaged in clandestine activities aimed at swaying public opinion and political discourse within Greenland. These covert influence efforts are believed to be part of a broader strategy to reshape Greenland’s foreign relations.
In response to the diplomatic summons, the U.S. State Department confirmed a meeting between Deputy Chief of Mission Mark Stroh and Danish foreign ministry officials. While affirming strong US-Denmark ties and respect for Greenland’s self-determination, the department notably refrained from commenting on the specific “actions of private U.S. citizens in Greenland,” leaving many questions unanswered.
This unfolding situation gains further context from former President Trump’s previous, well-documented interest in acquiring Greenland, a strategic autonomous territory of Denmark. His past proposals to purchase the island, rich in valuable minerals and strategically located, have long signaled a persistent American ambition for greater Greenland jurisdiction.
Details from the DR report paint a picture of sophisticated political interference: one individual allegedly compiled lists of U.S.-friendly Greenlanders and those opposed to Trump, while also attempting to highlight issues that could portray Denmark negatively in American media. Two other individuals reportedly fostered contacts with local politicians, business figures, and residents, all contributing to the alleged influence operations.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen acknowledged the broader issue, stating, “We are aware that foreign actors continue to show an interest in Greenland and its position in the Kingdom of Denmark.” His remarks highlight a persistent concern within the Danish government about external attempts to influence Greenland’s future and Denmark’s sovereign interests.
Countering these concerns, a White House official, speaking anonymously, downplayed Denmark’s reaction, suggesting that “the Danes need to calm down.” This response signals a potential divergence in diplomatic perspectives, with the U.S. administration seemingly dismissing the gravity of the allegations raised by its NATO ally regarding US diplomacy in the region.
The Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) corroborated the underlying threat, assessing that “Greenland is a target for influence campaigns of various kinds” designed to create divisions between Denmark and Greenland. These campaigns, according to PET, exploit existing disagreements or fabricate new ones, promoting specific viewpoints regarding the Kingdom, the United States, or other interested nations.
In light of these ongoing threats, PET has reportedly “continuously strengthened” its intelligence gathering and presence in Greenland in close cooperation with local authorities. This enhanced vigilance underscores the seriousness with which Denmark views the protection of its territorial integrity and the stability of its relationship with Greenland against covert influence attempts.
