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

Denmark’s foreign minister summoned the top U.S. diplomat in the country on Wednesday following reports that at least three Americans with ties to former President Donald Trump have allegedly conducted covert influence operations in Greenland.

The Danish broadcaster DR reported that Danish government and security sources, together with unnamed contacts in Greenland and the U.S., indicated that certain individuals were trying to influence Greenlandic society. One person is said to have compiled a list of Greenlanders considered friendly to the U.S., tracked opponents of former President Trump, and gathered material that could cast Denmark in a negative light in U.S. media. Two others reportedly sought to establish connections with local politicians, business leaders, and residents.

DR cited eight sources in total but said it could not determine whether the Americans were acting independently or following orders. The broadcaster withheld names to protect its sources. The Associated Press could not independently confirm the report.

Trump has previously expressed interest in asserting U.S. control over Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, and suggested he might consider military options to access its mineral wealth. Danish and Greenlandic officials have consistently stated that Greenland is not for sale and have criticized reports of foreign intelligence activity on the island.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen stated that interference in the Kingdom’s internal matters is not acceptable. He noted that he has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon the U.S. chargé d’affaires for discussions. Rasmussen also emphasized that Denmark and Greenland maintain a relationship of ‘close cooperation grounded in mutual trust.

The Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) said Greenland is a potential target for influence campaigns aimed at creating divisions between Denmark and Greenland. PET noted such campaigns could exploit real or fabricated disagreements or amplify particular viewpoints regarding the Kingdom, the U.S., or other countries with interests in Greenland. The agency said it has strengthened its efforts in Greenland in recent years and will continue to do so.

The U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen referred inquiries to Washington, and the White House did not immediately comment.