The Danish government has taken a firm stance against the United States, summoning the US charge d’affaires to express its deep concern over reports of covert influence operations in Greenland.
According to Danish intelligence, US citizens with ties to the Trump administration have been attempting to promote Greenland’s secession from Denmark to the United States.
“We are aware that foreign actors continue to show an interest in Greenland and its position in the Kingdom of Denmark. It is therefore not surprising if we experience outside attempts to influence the future of the Kingdom in the time ahead,” said Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen in a statement.
“Any attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of the Kingdom will of course be unacceptable,” he added, confirming that he had requested the Foreign Ministry to summon the US charge d’affaires for a meeting.
This diplomatic row comes amid heightened tensions between Denmark and the US over Greenland, a strategically located and resource-rich island.
Since returning to the White House in January, President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, citing security reasons. However, the majority of Greenland’s 57,000 residents prefer independence from Denmark but do not wish to become part of the United States.
In response to Trump’s proposal, Denmark has strengthened its relations with Greenland, a former colony now a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.
French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit to Greenland in June was seen as a show of solidarity, with hundreds of locals greeting him warmly. In contrast, US Vice President JD Vance’s visit in March was met with protests, forcing him to visit a remote US airbase and cancel plans for his wife to attend a dogsled race.
Denmark’s national security and intelligence service, PET, has warned that Greenland is a target for influence campaigns, which could involve exploiting existing disagreements or promoting certain views regarding the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States.
“This could be done by exploiting existing or invented disagreements, for example, in connection with known single issues or by promoting or reinforcing certain views in Greenland regarding the Kingdom of Denmark and the United States or other countries with a special interest in Greenland,” PET stated.
Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has called for increased Arctic defense collaboration with the US while firmly dismissing Washington’s desire to annex the territory. “If you want to be more present in Greenland, Greenland and Denmark is ready and if you would like to strengthen the security in the Arctic just like us, then let us do it together,” Frederiksen said in April.
The Danish government’s decision to summon the US diplomat reflects its commitment to protecting Greenland’s autonomy and sovereignty.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the US will respond to Denmark’s concerns and whether the two nations can find common ground on issues related to Greenland.
Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding US envoy Tom Barrack’s remarks in Lebanon has sparked outrage, with many criticizing his comments as arrogant and dismissive. Barrack told Lebanese journalists to “act civilized” during a press conference, prompting a backlash from the Lebanese government and journalists’ unions.
“The moment this starts becoming chaotic, like animalistic, we’re gone. So, you want to know what’s happening? Act civilised, act kind, act tolerant, because this is the problem with what’s happening in the region,” Barrack said.
The incident highlights the challenges of diplomatic communication and the importance of respecting local cultures and media.