Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen summoned the top U.S. diplomat in Denmark following intelligence reports alleging that Americans had conducted covert Greenland interference operations.
According to Danish public broadcaster DR, which cited unnamed security and government sources, at least three individuals with connections to the Trump administration were reportedly carrying out these operations.
Rasmussen conveyed in a statement provided to Digital, “We are cognizant that foreign actors maintain an interest in Greenland and its role within the Kingdom of Denmark. It is thus not unexpected should we experience external attempts to influence the Kingdom’s future going forward.”
“Any endeavor to interfere in the Kingdom’s internal matters will, naturally, be deemed unacceptable. In light of this, I have instructed the Ministry of to summon the U.S. chargé d’affaires for a meeting at the ministry,” he added.
Rasmussen additionally underscored that the relationship between Denmark and Greenland is “close” and “based on mutual trust.”
During his second term, President repeatedly articulated his interest in seeking U.S. jurisdiction over Greenland, an island that is part of the Danish kingdom. In response to these remarks, both Denmark and Greenland affirmed that the island was not for sale.
The U.S. presently lacks an ambassador to Denmark, thus American diplomat Mark Stroh is serving as the chargé d’affaires. Stroh was summoned to the Foreign Ministry.
Reportedly, one person suspected in the alleged influence operation compiled a list of U.S.-friendly Greenlanders, gathered names of Trump opponents, and purportedly encouraged locals to spotlight cases that presented the Danish government negatively in U.S. media, according to . Additionally, two other individuals are suspected of attempting to forge relationships with politicians, businesses, and residents.
The Associated Press reported that DR cited eight sources who hold the belief that the objective was to weaken the ties between Denmark and Greenland. The Danish Security and Intelligence Service reportedly informed the outlet that it considers “particularly in the current situation, Greenland is a target for influence campaigns of various kinds.”
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated in May that “you cannot spy against an ally,” in response to reports alleging that the U.S. was collecting intelligence on Greenland.
Digital attempted to contact the U.S. embassy in Copenhagen and the government of Greenland, but did not receive responses before the time of publication.