Denmark Confronts U.S. Diplomat Over Covert Trump-Linked Influence in Greenland
Copenhagen summons top U.S. envoy after reports of covert efforts by Trump-affiliated Americans to sway Greenlandic sentiment, amid mounting Arctic geopolitical tensions
Denmark’s government has formally summoned the United States’ most senior diplomat in Copenhagen following revelations that three American citizens with ties to President Donald Trump were engaged in covert influence operations within Greenland.
The reported activity has prompted Denmark to underscore its sovereignty and the need to safeguard the integrity of the Kingdom.
Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called diplomatic attention to the matter after Denmark’s public broadcaster reported that the individuals—allegedly linked to Trump—were attempting to collect names of Greenlanders friendly to the U.S. and critical of Trump, and cultivating connections with local political and business figures.
The operations were said to be aimed at shaping public and political sentiment in Greenland.
Denmark’s domestic intelligence service, PET, confirmed that Greenland currently faces a range of influence campaigns, apparently intended to foster division between Denmark and its Arctic territory.
Rasmussen described such interference as "unacceptable," and affirmed the Kingdom’s determination to seek transparency.
Officials characterized the suspected operations as amateurish, with no confirmed links to U.S. intelligence agencies.
Nevertheless, the developments have raised concern across Danish political circles about the strain these events may inflict on U.S.–Danish relations.
Greenlandic Member of Parliament Aaja Chemnitz condemned the outreach as an affront to the territory’s right to self-determination.
The summons comes amid heightened tensions following recent U.S. policy moves in the Arctic.
The Trump administration has halted a Danish-backed offshore wind energy project—a decision coinciding with Denmark’s cooperation with California’s governor, an outspoken opponent of Trump, further intensifying diplomatic friction.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also addressed a separate but symbolic grievance, issuing a formal apology for historical Danish abuses in Greenland, specifically acknowledging the forced contraceptive measures imposed on Greenlandic women.
Her remarks were intended both as an acknowledgment of past wrongs and a gesture aimed at reinforcing mutual respect within the Kingdom.
The U.S. State Department acknowledged that the chargé d’affaires met with Danish officials, describing the meeting as "productive," and emphasized that private citizens act independently, reaffirming U.S. respect for Greenlandic self-determination.
Denmark’s intelligence service reiterated Greenland’s vulnerability to foreign influence operations and affirmed ongoing monitoring efforts.
Observers note that Greenland’s strategic importance—stemming from its Arctic location and natural resources—has long attracted international interest, making such protective measures especially necessary.
The diplomatic move marks a careful but firm assertion of Danish oversight, reaffirming that Greenland’s political integrity and internal affairs remain firmly within the Kingdom’s prerogative.
The reported activity has prompted Denmark to underscore its sovereignty and the need to safeguard the integrity of the Kingdom.
Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called diplomatic attention to the matter after Denmark’s public broadcaster reported that the individuals—allegedly linked to Trump—were attempting to collect names of Greenlanders friendly to the U.S. and critical of Trump, and cultivating connections with local political and business figures.
The operations were said to be aimed at shaping public and political sentiment in Greenland.
Denmark’s domestic intelligence service, PET, confirmed that Greenland currently faces a range of influence campaigns, apparently intended to foster division between Denmark and its Arctic territory.
Rasmussen described such interference as "unacceptable," and affirmed the Kingdom’s determination to seek transparency.
Officials characterized the suspected operations as amateurish, with no confirmed links to U.S. intelligence agencies.
Nevertheless, the developments have raised concern across Danish political circles about the strain these events may inflict on U.S.–Danish relations.
Greenlandic Member of Parliament Aaja Chemnitz condemned the outreach as an affront to the territory’s right to self-determination.
The summons comes amid heightened tensions following recent U.S. policy moves in the Arctic.
The Trump administration has halted a Danish-backed offshore wind energy project—a decision coinciding with Denmark’s cooperation with California’s governor, an outspoken opponent of Trump, further intensifying diplomatic friction.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also addressed a separate but symbolic grievance, issuing a formal apology for historical Danish abuses in Greenland, specifically acknowledging the forced contraceptive measures imposed on Greenlandic women.
Her remarks were intended both as an acknowledgment of past wrongs and a gesture aimed at reinforcing mutual respect within the Kingdom.
The U.S. State Department acknowledged that the chargé d’affaires met with Danish officials, describing the meeting as "productive," and emphasized that private citizens act independently, reaffirming U.S. respect for Greenlandic self-determination.
Denmark’s intelligence service reiterated Greenland’s vulnerability to foreign influence operations and affirmed ongoing monitoring efforts.
Observers note that Greenland’s strategic importance—stemming from its Arctic location and natural resources—has long attracted international interest, making such protective measures especially necessary.
The diplomatic move marks a careful but firm assertion of Danish oversight, reaffirming that Greenland’s political integrity and internal affairs remain firmly within the Kingdom’s prerogative.
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