Denmark Summons US Envoy Over Alleged Covert Operations in Greenland

Strategic Insights -

Denmark's Foreign Minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, summoned the US Charge d'Affaires, Mark Stroh, for a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after a national public broadcaster reported alleged covert influence operations by individuals connected to President Trump in Greenland. The US administration has denied any involvement, with a White House official urging Denmark to "calm down." The controversy comes amidst Denmark and Greenland's insistence that the island is not for sale, despite President Trump's repeated claims that the US needs it for national security purposes.

Key Takeaways:

  • At least three individuals with connections to President Trump are alleged to be carrying out covert influence operations in Greenland.
  • The operations aim to weaken relations with Denmark from within Greenlandic society, with one of the Americans compiling lists of Greenlandic citizens for and against Trump's overtures.
  • The US administration has denied any involvement in the operations, with a State Department spokesperson stating that the agency does not control or direct the actions of private citizens.
  • Denmark's Foreign Minister has confirmed that he has asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to summon the US Charge d'Affaires for a meeting.
  • The Danish Security and Intelligence Service believes that Greenland is a target for influence campaigns of various kinds, which could aim to create divisions in the relationship between Denmark and Greenland.
  • The service has strengthened its efforts and presence in Greenland in cooperation with authorities, and will continue to do so.

Statistics:

  • Eight sources, including government and security sources, and unidentified sources in Greenland and the US, have reported the alleged covert influence operations.
  • The alleged operations aim to target Greenlandic citizens, politicians, businesspeople, and citizens.
  • The Danish Security and Intelligence Service has strengthened its efforts and presence in Greenland in cooperation with authorities.
  • Greenland has its own elected government, and a location between the US, Russia, and Europe makes it strategic for both economic and defense purposes.

Sources:

  • Danish public broadcaster DR, August 27, 2025
  • Denmark's Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen's statement
  • A White House official, January 2023
  • A State Department spokesperson
  • Denmark's Security and Intelligence Service (PET)
  • DR's report on alleged covert influence operations