The Danish government announced Wednesday that it has summoned the top US diplomat in Copenhagen to address concerns over an exposed secret "influence operation." The operation allegedly aims to create division in Greenland, weaken Denmark's relationship with its autonomous territory, and pave the way for President Trump's previously stated goal of "controlling or even purchasing Greenland."
Danish public broadcaster DR reported that at least three Americans with close ties to Trump and influence in security and foreign policy have been secretly operating in Greenland, compiling lists of local residents who support US objectives and attempting to promote separatist movements.
Danish Foreign Minister Rasmussen emphasized in a statement: "Any attempt to interfere in the Kingdom's internal affairs is unacceptable." Denmark's intelligence service (PET) noted that Greenland has become a target of various "external influence operations" that often exploit social divisions or spread disinformation to incite conflicts.
Trump has openly stated that the US could "buy" Greenland and has not ruled out using force to acquire it. Greenland is strategically located in the Arctic, rich in mineral resources, and serves as an autonomous region within the Danish Kingdom, though foreign and security policies remain under Copenhagen's control.
A White House official dismissed Denmark's reaction as "excessive," stating that "the Danes need to calm down." However, Danish scholars point out that if the US has indeed shifted from intelligence gathering to actively manipulating public opinion to seize an ally's territory, it would be unprecedented.
The incident has further escalated tensions between Copenhagen and Washington. Previously, media had reported on expanded US intelligence gathering operations in Greenland, and Denmark had summoned the US chargé d'affaires in May.
Notably, on the same day Denmark made its diplomatic protest public, Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen issued an apology to Greenlandic women who were forcibly fitted with contraceptive devices in the past century, acknowledging that the policy had caused "anger and pain" among the island's residents. Analysts believe Copenhagen's move also aims to repair historical rifts with Greenland.
According to the latest polls, approximately 84% of Greenlanders support independence, though most favor it only if their living standards remain unaffected; only 6% support joining the United States. Greenland's current government maintains a clear stance, firmly opposing US takeover.
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