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

Denmark’s foreign minister has summoned the U.S. ambassador in Copenhagen following intelligence reports that American citizens carried out covert influence operations in Greenland aimed at undermining Danish authority, the ministry said Wednesday.

Public broadcaster DR, citing unnamed sources, reported that at least three Americans linked to the Trump administration were suspected of attempting to stir opposition to Danish rule and promote Greenland’s secession to the United States. Neither the ministry nor DR disclosed the identities of those involved.

The U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Greenland, a mineral-rich and strategically vital Arctic territory, is self-governing but remains part of the Kingdom of Denmark. U.S. interest in the island has been high since then-President Donald Trump floated the idea of purchasing it, citing security concerns. Both Copenhagen and Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, firmly rejected the proposal.

Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen condemned any interference in the relationship between Denmark and Greenland.
“If anyone thinks they can create a ‘fifth column’ or destabilize our cooperation, it is completely unacceptable,” he told reporters. “We must make it very clear to the United States that this cannot be tolerated.”

Greenland’s March election underscored divisions over independence. A pro-business party favouring a gradual path to sovereignty won, while a rival party advocating rapid independence and closer U.S. ties captured about a quarter of the vote.

Seeking to counter U.S. ambitions, Denmark has been working to strengthen ties with Greenland and rally backing from European allies.

Although Trump later said he respected Greenland’s right to decide its own future, his past suggestion that the U.S. could “take” the territory has caused unease among its 57,000 residents.

“The United States should not be allowed to shape our future. That is a decision only for the Greenlandic people,” said Aaja Chemnitz, a Greenlandic member of the Danish parliament. She added that the suspected influence efforts were consistent with Trump’s broader push to gain sway over the island.

Denmark’s intelligence agency PET warned that Greenland remains vulnerable to foreign influence campaigns aimed at deepening internal divisions or shaping public opinion about Denmark and the U.S.