Denmark Summons U.S. Envoy Over Alleged Influence Operations in Greenland

Tone & Political Bias: Moderately Center-Leaning

Why: The reporting is factual, based on official statements and investigations, with limited interpretive framing. It highlights concerns raised by Denmark without editorializing heavily toward one side.

What Happened

The Danish foreign ministry summoned the U.S. ambassador to Denmark after a report by Denmark’s public broadcaster DR revealed alleged American efforts to conduct “influence operations” in Greenland.

The investigation suggests that at least three U.S. citizens with ties to former President Donald Trump have attempted to build connections in Greenland with the possible aim of advancing Trump’s past calls to annex the island.

Greenland’s Role

Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark with significant natural resources and strategic value in the North Atlantic. Both Greenlandic and Danish leaders have consistently rejected U.S. ambitions to acquire the island.

Trump drew international attention in 2019 when he publicly expressed interest in purchasing Greenland, sparking diplomatic tensions. The Danish and Greenlandic governments dismissed the idea at the time.

Allegations of U.S. Activity

According to DR’s investigation, based on conversations with eight sources in Denmark, Greenland, and the U.S.:

Three Americans are allegedly working to “infiltrate” Greenlandic society.
One of the men reportedly compiled a list of Trump supporters in Greenland with the aim of building a secessionist movement.
The two others allegedly reached out to politicians, business leaders, and citizens in Greenland.

The report did not establish whether these men were acting under official U.S. government instructions.

Denmark’s Response

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen confirmed that Copenhagen is aware of attempts by foreign actors to influence Greenland.

In his statement, Rasmussen emphasized:

Any foreign interference in Denmark’s internal affairs is “unacceptable.”
Cooperation between Denmark and Greenland remains “close and based on mutual trust.”
Danish and Greenlandic authorities are coordinating closely on the matter.

U.S. Reaction

The White House and the government of Greenland have not publicly commented. CNN, which reported on DR’s findings, noted that the broadcaster could not determine whether the individuals involved were acting independently or under orders.

Why It Matters

Strategic Interest: Greenland’s location in the Arctic makes it a key geopolitical asset for military and economic reasons.
Sovereignty Concerns: Denmark views outside influence efforts as a threat to its authority and Greenland’s autonomy.
Trump’s Legacy: The allegations revive debate about Trump’s push to bring Greenland under U.S. control.

This case underscores the ongoing tension between U.S. strategic interests in the Arctic and Denmark’s determination to safeguard Greenland’s autonomy. The Danish government has made clear it will resist any foreign-backed efforts to sway public opinion on the island’s political future.