When Denmark’s top diplomat called a senior American official to his office, it signaled something was deeply wrong. Copenhagen demanded answers after reports surfaced about US citizens running a “covert influence operation” in Greenland.
Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Denmark’s Foreign Minister, summoned Mark Stroh, the acting US Chargé d’Affaires in Copenhagen. He wanted to know about American efforts to push Greenland toward breaking away from Denmark and joining the United States. Denmark’s public broadcaster, DR, reported that one American even traveled to Nuuk, Greenland’s capital. There, this person reportedly made a list of people who support independence, possibly to recruit them. It’s still unclear if these individuals acted alone or had official backing.
Minister Rasmussen made it clear that any attempts to meddle in Denmark’s internal affairs are simply not okay. He noted that the government knows about other countries’ interest in Greenland. He expects more outside pressure in the future.
This diplomatic stir comes after a period of unusual pressure from the United States. Former President Donald Trump repeatedly stated his wish to buy Greenland. He even hinted that he wouldn’t rule out using force. More recently, JD Vance, described as the US Vice President, accused Denmark of not spending enough money in Greenland. In response, Mette Frederiksen, Denmark’s Prime Minister, had a direct message for the United States: “You cannot annex another country.”
The Wall Street Journal reported in May that US intelligence agencies were told to focus on Greenland. Their concerns included the island’s independence movement and access to its natural resources. Tulsi Gabbard, identified as the US Director of National Intelligence, didn’t deny the report. Instead, she criticized the media, saying it was “destroying national security and undermining national democracy.”
Denmark is a close ally of the United States. Both are members of NATO, and Denmark is also part of the European Union. Their relationship has been strong for a long time. Yet, these reports of secret influence operations have caused shock. They highlight a growing strain between two important partners.
Source: BBC