Denmark Summons U.S. Envoy Over Alleged Covert Operations in Greenland/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Denmark summoned the top U.S. diplomat in Copenhagen after reports alleged that Americans tied to Trump ran covert influence operations in Greenland. Danish officials called any such interference “unacceptable” and warned against undermining ties with Greenland. The allegations reportedly include compiling lists of U.S.-friendly Greenlanders and targeting critics.
Denmark Summons U.S. Envoy Over Greenland Allegations Quick Looks
- Danish broadcaster DR reported Americans linked to Trump ran covert ops.
- At least three individuals allegedly tried to sway opinion in Greenland.
- Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called interference “unacceptable.”
- Reports suggest efforts to weaken Denmark–Greenland ties through media influence.
- U.S. chargé d’affaires Mark Stroh was summoned by Denmark’s Foreign Ministry.
- Greenland and Denmark have rejected Trump’s past claims to U.S. jurisdiction.
- Danish PM Frederiksen previously warned: “You cannot spy against an ally.”
Denmark Summons U.S. Envoy Over Alleged Covert Operations in Greenland
Deep Look
The Danish government summoned the top U.S. diplomat in Copenhagen on Wednesday after explosive reports claimed that individuals with ties to President Donald Trump attempted covert influence operations in Greenland.
According to Danish public broadcaster DR, at least three people connected to Trump’s political circle engaged in activities designed to sway local opinion in Greenland, which remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Citing multiple unnamed government and intelligence sources, the outlet reported the efforts included compiling lists of Greenlanders deemed sympathetic to U.S. interests, gathering names of Trump opponents, and encouraging locals to highlight negative portrayals of Denmark in American media.
Two of the individuals allegedly worked to build relationships with politicians, business leaders, and community figures in Greenland. Sources suggested the broader aim was to weaken ties between Denmark and Greenland, potentially strengthening arguments for greater U.S. influence over the strategically located Arctic island.
Denmark Pushes Back
Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen condemned the reports in a statement, stressing that any attempt to meddle in Greenland’s governance would be “unacceptable.”
“We are aware that foreign actors continue to show an interest in Greenland and its position in the Kingdom of Denmark. It is therefore not surprising if we experience outside attempts to influence the future of the Kingdom in the time ahead,” Rasmussen said.
“In that light, I have asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon the U.S. chargé d’affaires for a meeting at the ministry.”
Rasmussen emphasized that ties between Copenhagen and Greenland are “close” and built on mutual trust.
U.S. Diplomat Summoned
Because the U.S. currently lacks a Senate-confirmed ambassador to Denmark, the summons fell to Mark Stroh, the chargé d’affaires at the American Embassy in Copenhagen. The Danish Foreign Ministry confirmed that he was called in to address the matter.
The U.S. Embassy and the Greenlandic government did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
A Sensitive History
Greenland, an autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty, has long been of interest to Washington due to its strategic Arctic location and natural resources.
During his presidency, Donald Trump floated the idea of the U.S. acquiring Greenland, a suggestion that Denmark and Greenland flatly rejected.
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded firmly at the time, calling the island “not for sale.”
More recently, Frederiksen remarked that “you cannot spy against an ally” in response to reports that U.S. intelligence operations had targeted Greenland.
Allegations of Influence Operations
The Danish Security and Intelligence Service has warned that Greenland could become a focal point for foreign influence campaigns, especially given heightened geopolitical tensions in the Arctic. DR’s reporting, citing eight sources, suggested the suspected Trump-linked operatives may have sought to exploit those dynamics.
The alleged activities — if confirmed — would mark a significant diplomatic strain, coming as Denmark tries to balance its commitments to NATO and its stewardship of Greenland’s governance.
Broader Implications
The controversy underscores Greenland’s rising importance in global politics. With Arctic shipping routes expanding and resource competition intensifying, both allies and rivals view the island as a strategic prize.
While Denmark has stressed its determination to safeguard sovereignty and transparency in Greenlandic governance, the allegations could complicate U.S.-Danish relations at a sensitive moment.
For now, Denmark has stopped short of directly accusing the Trump administration itself, focusing instead on individuals allegedly connected to his political orbit. Still, the decision to summon Washington’s top representative signals how seriously Copenhagen views even the suggestion of interference.
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