Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen has summoned the chief US diplomat in Denmark amid reports of American citizens allegedly engaging in “covert influence operations” in Greenland. Sources cited by Denmark’s public broadcaster, DR, suggest that the aim of these operations is to penetrate Greenland’s society and promote its secession from Denmark to the United States, although it remains unclear if the individuals were acting independently.
In response to these reports, Rasmussen stated that any interference in the internal affairs of the Kingdom of Denmark would be considered unacceptable, leading to the summoning of the US charge d’affaires, Mark Stroh, who is the highest-ranking diplomat currently in Copenhagen. The US Embassy has been contacted for comments regarding the situation.
Interest in Greenland’s status has been heightened by US President Trump, who has repeatedly expressed a desire to annex the territory, which is an autonomous part of Denmark. Additionally, Vice-President JD Vance has suggested that Denmark has not sufficiently invested in the region. During a recent visit to Greenland, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized to US officials that one cannot annex another country.
Rasmussen noted the government’s awareness of foreign interest in Greenland’s status and anticipated attempts from external actors to influence the future of the Kingdom. Earlier this year, he also summoned the US ambassador following reports that US spy agencies had been instructed to concentrate efforts on Greenland.
A recent report by DR provided details regarding an American’s visit to Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, where he reportedly sought to compile a list of residents who might support US initiatives aimed at gaining control over the island. Previous reporting, including a May article in the Wall Street Journal, mentioned US interest in understanding Greenland’s independence movement and perspectives on American mineral extraction. In response to those reports, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard did not deny the claims but criticized the journal for potentially compromising national security.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0j9l08902eo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss