Denmark has summoned the top US diplomat in Copenhagen following allegations that Americans linked to Donald Trump are conducting influence operations in Greenland. The diplomatic escalation represents a significant strain on the NATO allies' relationship over the Arctic territory.
Danish broadcaster DR reported that three people connected to Trump have been compiling names of Greenlandic citizens who support America's plans for the island. The Guardian reports the operations included urging Greenlanders to find cases that would put Denmark in a bad light in American media.
Diplomatic tensions escalate
Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen summoned US deputy chief of mission Mark Stroh, calling any attempt to interfere in the Kingdom of Denmark's internal affairs "unacceptable". The summoning of a country's senior diplomat is a serious diplomatic tool that signals formal displeasure.
Danish intelligence has warned that Greenland is being targeted by "various kinds of influence campaigns". Express reports that DR's investigation was based on eight sources including Danish government, security, Greenlandic and US sources.
White House dismisses concerns
The US State Department insists the three Americans are "private citizens" and that it does not control or direct their actions. A White House official did not confirm an "influence campaign" as Denmark alleges.
Adding fuel to tensions, the White House official said: "We think the Danes need to calm down." The dismissive response has further strained diplomatic relations between the allies.
Trump's Greenland ambitions
Trump first proposed purchasing Greenland in 2019, calling it "essentially a large real estate deal" and adding "strategically it's interesting". The Republican has since reiterated his desire to acquire Greenland and the Panama Canal for American national security.
Days before entering the White House for his second term, he wrote on Truth Social: "We will protect it, and cherish it, from a very vicious outside World. MAKE GREENLAND GREAT AGAIN!" Both Denmark and Greenland have stressed the island is not for sale.
Sources used: "Metro", "Guardian", "Express", "DR" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
