Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen has summoned the U.S. chargé d’affaires in Copenhagen following intelligence reports that individuals with ties to former President Donald Trump conducted covert influence operations in Greenland. These allegations, reported by Danish public broadcaster DR and the Associated Press, suggest that Trump allies were involved in efforts to undermine Denmark’s relationship with its autonomous territory. According to DR, at least three individuals with connections to the Trump administration were allegedly engaged in these operations, including compiling lists of U.S.-friendly Greenlanders and encouraging negative media portrayals of Denmark. The Associated Press further reported that two others are suspected of attempting to create relationships with politicians, businesses, and locals to further the campaign’s objectives.
Denmark’s Security and Intelligence Service reportedly warned that Greenland is a prime target for influence campaigns, particularly amid heightened geopolitical tensions. Rasmussen, in a statement to Fox News Digital, emphasized that the U.S. should not interfere in Denmark’s internal affairs, calling the alleged operations ‘unacceptable.’ He also highlighted the importance of trust in the long-standing relationship between Denmark and Greenland, which both nations have officially stated is not for sale. The situation has drawn renewed attention to the Trump administration’s past remarks about seeking U.S. jurisdiction over Greenland, which were met with strong rejection by both Denmark and Greenland.
Mark Stroh, the U.S. chargé d’affaires in Denmark, has been summoned to the Foreign Ministry for a meeting with Rasmussen. The Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, previously asserted that ‘you cannot spy against an ally’ in response to reports that the U.S. was gathering intelligence on Greenland. Despite these concerns, the U.S. has not officially commented on the allegations, with the embassy in Copenhagen declining to respond to Fox News Digital’s inquiries. Meanwhile, the incident underscores the broader diplomatic tensions between Denmark and the U.S., particularly in light of Trump’s controversial statements about Greenland.
Analysts suggest that the alleged operations highlight the sensitivity of Greenland’s strategic position, especially in the context of Arctic geopolitics. The island’s resources, including vast reserves of minerals and potential oil and gas deposits, have made it a focal point for various nations. While Denmark maintains sovereignty over Greenland, its autonomy allows for considerable self-governance. The U.S. interest in Greenland, however, remains a contentious issue, as both Denmark and Greenland have consistently denied any such ambitions. The latest developments may further strain the already delicate diplomatic relationship between the two nations.