Denmark’s foreign minister summoned the top U.S. diplomat in the country on Wednesday after a bombshell report by Danish broadcaster DR alleged that individuals connected to President Donald Trump were engaged in covert influence operations in Greenland. The report claims the goal was to destabilize Greenland’s ties with Denmark and possibly lay groundwork for future U.S. control of the Arctic territory.
According to DR, at least three Americans with ties to Trump conducted secret operations in Greenland by compiling lists of U.S.-friendly locals, identifying critics of Trump, and promoting narratives that could damage Denmark’s reputation in U.S. media. Two reportedly sought to build connections with local politicians and business leaders. Though DR withheld the names, citing source protection, it said the activities were likely part of a broader influence campaign.
The Danish Foreign Ministry, taking the report seriously, said Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen had summoned the U.S. chargé d’affaires in Copenhagen. “Any attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of the Kingdom will of course be unacceptable,” Rasmussen said, adding that Denmark and Greenland maintain a relationship “based on mutual trust.”
Denmark, a key NATO ally, firmly opposes any effort to sever Greenland from the Kingdom. Greenland has long been of strategic interest due to its mineral wealth and Arctic location. President Trump openly floated the idea of buying Greenland in 2019 and has not ruled out other means of gaining U.S. jurisdiction over the island.
Denmark’s intelligence agency, PET, warned that Greenland is increasingly targeted by foreign influence campaigns. It confirmed it has bolstered counterintelligence efforts in the region to protect the Kingdom’s unity.
The U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen has yet to comment on the allegations.
