Denmark Summons Top U.S. Diplomat Over Alleged Greenland Influence Operation

Denmark has officially summoned the top U.S. diplomat in Copenhagen following explosive reports that American operatives have been conducting covert influence campaigns in Greenland, aiming to promote its secession from Denmark and alignment with the United States.

Photograph: Gety Images

Key Developments:

• Danish broadcaster DR reported that unidentified American citizens were attempting to infiltrate Greenlandic society and recruit locals sympathetic to U.S. interests.

• Denmark’s intelligence agency PET warned of “various kinds of influence campaigns” targeting Greenland, including disinformation and physical agents.

• Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen declared such interference “unacceptable” and summoned Mark Stroh, the U.S. chargé d'affaires, for diplomatic clarification.

Political Fallout: The controversy reignited tensions over U.S. ambitions in the Arctic. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in annexing Greenland, while Vice President JD Vance accused Denmark of underinvesting in the territory. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen responded firmly: “You cannot annex another country.”

Economic Shockwave: In a related move, the U.S. government ordered a halt to the Revolution Wind project off Rhode Island, operated by Danish energy giant Ørsted. The company’s shares plunged 16% following the stop-work order, raising concerns about political retaliation.

Greenland’s Response: Greenlandic leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen emphasized sovereignty: “We don’t belong to anyone else. We decide our own future.” Despite broad self-rule since 1979, Greenland’s foreign and defense policies remain under Copenhagen’s control.

Source: BBC