Copenhagen Summons US Diplomat Amid Allegations of Covert Operations in Greenland
In a surprising diplomatic development, Denmark’s foreign ministry has summoned the leading U.S. diplomat in the country for discussions following reports of covert influence activities linked to individuals associated with former President Donald Trump in Greenland. This move highlights the growing tensions over Greenland’s strategic importance.
Denmark’s primary national broadcaster revealed that at least three individuals connected to Trump have been involved in efforts to sway opinions in Greenland. This prompted the meeting between Mark Stroh, the U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission in Copenhagen, and Danish officials. While the U.S. State Department confirmed the meeting, it refrained from commenting on the alleged activities of private U.S. citizens in Greenland.
The State Department emphasized that “the U.S. government does not control or direct the actions of private citizens,” adding that the meeting was “productive” and reiterating the strong ties shared by the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland. It also noted that Trump and his advisors acknowledge Greenland’s autonomy in deciding its future.
While the U.S. maintains its commitment to fostering relations with both Denmark and Greenland, this incident comes at a time when Trump’s foreign policy approach is causing ripples across Europe. Earlier this week, France summoned U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner over separate issues.
Trump’s aspirations regarding Greenland have been clear; he has expressed interest in the territory due to its mineral wealth and strategic location. Despite this, both Denmark and Greenland have firmly stated that Greenland is not for sale, criticizing any intelligence-gathering activities by the U.S. on the island.
The Danish broadcaster DR, relying on unnamed sources from various governments, reports that these influence operations aim to weaken ties between Denmark and Greenland. Allegations include compiling lists of U.S.-friendly Greenlanders and gathering information to portray Denmark negatively in American media.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen acknowledged the ongoing interest foreign actors show in Greenland, stating that any external attempts to influence the nation’s future will be “unacceptable.” He affirmed the close cooperation between Denmark and Greenland, built on mutual trust.
The Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) has noted that Greenland is a target for various influence campaigns, which could exploit or fabricate disagreements to strain Danish-Greenlandic relations. PET is actively working to enhance its presence in Greenland in collaboration with local authorities.
