Denmark summons US envoy after report of covert influence operations in Greenland

On 27 August, Denmark summoned the senior US diplomat in Copenhagen after the public broadcaster DR reported that several US citizens linked to President Donald Trump had conducted covert ‘influence operations’ in Greenland.

The allegations centre on efforts to identify and cultivate Greenlanders supportive of closer alignment with the United States, and to exacerbate tensions between Nuuk and Copenhagen. The foreign minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, described any such activity as “completely unacceptable”.

According to DR’s reporting, at least three Americans travelled repeatedly to Greenland in recent months. Sources cited by the broadcaster say their task was to “penetrate” local society, compile lists of perceived allies and opponents of the US president, and engage with politicians and business figures. The identities of the individuals have not been disclosed publicly.

The Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) has stated that Greenland “remains a target for influence campaigns”, particularly in the current geopolitical climate. PET warned that such activity can seek to exploit disagreements or promote specific views about both Denmark and the United States.

The US mission in Denmark did not immediately offer substantive comment on the specific allegations reported by DR. Reuters quoted a White House official as saying, “We think the Danes need to calm down.”

Denmark’s move to call in the chargé d’affaires, Mark Stroh, follows a similar démarche in May after a Wall Street Journal article reported that US intelligence agencies had been directed to step up collection on Greenland.

The Wall Street Journal report on 6 May said US intelligence collection was being intensified in relation to Greenland’s independence movement and attitudes to resource development, underscoring the administration’s interest in the Arctic territory. Danish officials at the time said espionage among allies was unacceptable and sought clarification from Washington.

Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. It has its own parliament and government but Copenhagen retains control over foreign affairs and defence. The island has a population of roughly 56,000 and hosts the US military’s Pituffik Space Base. In March, US Vice President JD Vance visited the base, an event confirmed by the US Space Force.

Public attention on Greenland has grown during 2025. In January, Donald Trump Jr visited Nuuk shortly after his father reiterated interest in bringing the territory under US control; Danish and Greenlandic leaders have repeatedly stated that Greenland is not for sale and that its future is for Greenlanders to decide.

The DR revelations emerged as Denmark and Greenland issued a formal apology for historic abuses against Inuit women and girls involving involuntary contraception, a separate matter that has nonetheless figured in current public debate. Officials in both capitals expressed remorse over practices dating back to the 1960s and 1970s.

Danish authorities have increased their focus on countering foreign influence around Greenland, reflecting wider European and Arctic concerns. Officials emphasise close coordination with Greenland’s government and police to maintain public order and guard against efforts to drive a wedge between Nuuk and Copenhagen.

The US administration maintains that it respects Greenland’s right to determine its own future. At the same time, Washington has framed its Arctic posture in terms of national and allied security, as well as economic interests in critical minerals. The tension between these positions has been evident in the diplomatic exchanges since May.

No arrests have been publicly confirmed by Danish authorities in connection with the alleged operations reported by DR. The identities of the individuals involved, and the extent to which any activity was directed or financed by US government entities, have not been established in the public domain. Copenhagen has sought explanations from Washington; further steps will depend on what, if anything, is confirmed in official channels.