US Diplomat Summoned over Alleged Covert Influence Operations in Greenland Connected to Trump Administration
Following a report by Denmark’s national broadcaster, DR, that at least three individuals with ties to U.S. President Donald Trump have been conducting covert influence operations in Greenland, the Danish Foreign Minister has summoned the top American diplomat stationed in the country for discussions.
Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark located in the Arctic, has been a point of interest for Trump due to its strategic resources and geopolitical significance. Both Greenland and Denmark have publicly stated that the island is not up for sale and have condemned reports suggesting U.S. intelligence gathering within their territories.
According to DR’s report, sources from both government and security sectors, as well as unidentified sources in Greenland and the U.S., believe that these three American individuals with Trump connections are involved in covert influence operations in Greenland. The aim of these operations, according to the report, is allegedly to strain relations between Denmark and Greenland from within local society.
DR based its story on information provided by a total of eight sources, who believe that these influence operations seek to undermine the relationship between Denmark and Greenland. However, it remains unclear whether these Americans are acting independently or under orders from someone else.
In response to these reports, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen issued a statement indicating awareness of foreign interest in Greenland’s position within the Kingdom of Denmark. He expressed that external efforts to influence the future of the kingdom should not come as a surprise given this interest.
Rasmussen has declared any attempt to interfere with the internal affairs of the kingdom unacceptable and has requested a meeting with the U.S. chargé d’affaires at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address these concerns. Rasmussen reiterated that cooperation between Denmark and Greenland is close, built upon mutual trust.