Denmark has taken the unusual diplomatic step of summoning Mark Stroh, the U.S. chargé d’affaires in Copenhagen, following fresh allegations that individuals linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump have been conducting covert influence operations in Greenland. The move underscores mounting tensions between Copenhagen and Washington over the Arctic territory’s future and its strategic value.
Reports from Denmark’s national broadcaster DR, drawing on eight unnamed sources across Danish government, intelligence, Greenland, and U.S. circles, indicate that at least three Americans with suspected ties to the Trump administration have been attempting to shape public opinion in Greenland. Their objectives allegedly include identifying local supporters of U.S. ambitions and cultivating relationships with business and political figures to undermine the island’s ties to Denmark.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen warned that such foreign interference in internal affairs is “unacceptable” and emphasized the need to clarify the risks facing both Greenland and Denmark. While acknowledging concerns about influence campaigns, some Danish officials suggested that the individuals involved acted amateurishly, with no confirmed connections to U.S. intelligence agencies.
Denmark’s Security and Intelligence Service (PET) added gravity to the situation, asserting that Greenland already a geopolitical hotspot is being targeted by influence campaigns aimed at driving a wedge between Greenland and the Danish government. The service has reinforced its intelligence presence on the island to counter such threats.
These developments come amid lingering controversy over Trump’s repeated statements expressing interest in acquiring Greenland, a notion firmly rejected by both Denmark and Greenland. The current diplomatic limbo, with no official U.S. ambassador appointed to Copenhagen, only magnifies the significance of today’s move.
