Denmark has officially summoned the top U.S. diplomat in Copenhagen amid allegations of covert American influence operations targeting Greenland, the vast Arctic territory that enjoys semi-autonomous status under the Danish crown. This unusual diplomatic move underscores growing tensions between the NATO allies regarding U.S. ambitions in Greenland, which is rich in minerals and holds significant strategic importance in the Arctic region. The summoning, confirmed by Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen on August 27, 2025, followed reports that at least three U.S. individuals, with ties to the Trump administration, were conducting secret activities aimed at promoting Greenland’s separation from Denmark to favor U.S. interests.
The Danish government considers these acts a serious breach of its sovereignty, and the development has threatened to disrupt the traditionally close cooperation and mutual trust shared between Denmark and Greenland. "Any attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of the kingdom will of course be unacceptable," Rasmussen asserted, emphasizing that Copenhagen will not tolerate any covert actions within its borders.
Allegations of Covert U.S. Influence Operations
The allegations surfaced prominently after a report by Denmark’s principal public broadcaster, DR, which revealed sources from government and security circles disclosing that three Americans linked to former President Donald Trump’s administration engaged in undisclosed influence operations on Greenland. These efforts reportedly included attempts to foster dissent against Danish governance and create support for a future U.S. takeover of the island.
According to DR’s reporting, one of the individuals allegedly compiled lists of Greenlanders who were either supportive or critical of the Trump administration and encouraged locals to spotlight incidents that could portray Denmark negatively in U.S. media. At the same time, two other Americans sought to build relationships with Greenland’s politicians, business leaders, and community members, aiming to sway opinions in favor of U.S. interests.
It remains unclear if these individuals were acting independently or as part of a broader directive from Washington. The Danish Foreign Minister’s office was quick to refute any legitimization of such influence campaigns and stressed the importance of preserving the kingdom’s internal unity.
Historical Context: Trump’s Interest in Greenland
The issue of U.S. interest in Greenland is not new. Donald Trump first publicly expressed his desire to acquire Greenland during his initial presidency, highlighting the island's abundant natural resources and strategic location as key reasons. Notably, Trump did not discount the potential use of military force to secure control of Greenland if necessary, a stance that provoked strong reactions from both Danish and Greenlandic officials.
The proposal to purchase Greenland was firmly rejected by both the Danish government and Greenland's government in Nuuk. Greenlanders themselves have long cherished their right to self-determination, including pursuing full independence from Denmark through a referendum. While a majority of the island’s roughly 57,000 residents favor independence, opinion surveys show they do not support joining the United States.
Denmark’s Response: A Firm Stance on Sovereignty
The summoning of the U.S. charge d’affaires in Copenhagen, currently Mark Stroh, signified Denmark’s robust diplomatic stance. Foreign Minister Rasmussen made it clear that Copenhagen would not tolerate covert efforts to drive a wedge between the Danish realm and Greenland. He described any such activities as "entirely unacceptable" and called for immediate discussions with the U.S. mission to address the matter.
Rasmussen said, "We are aware that foreign actors continue to show an interest in Greenland and its position in the Kingdom of Denmark. It is therefore not surprising if we experience outside attempts to influence the future of the kingdom in the time ahead." He further stressed that the cooperation between Denmark and Greenland is grounded in trust and dialogue, which must be preserved against clandestine interference.
Impact on U.S.-Denmark Relations and NATO Cooperation
The incident poses a challenge to the traditionally strong alliance between Denmark and the United States, both NATO partners sharing broad mutual interests, including defense and security cooperation in the Arctic. Greenland's strategic location makes it crucial to Arctic geopolitics involving rising powers such as Russia and China, alongside Western allies.
While the U.S. embassy in Copenhagen has not publicly responded in detail, the diplomatic “yellow card” from Denmark signals serious displeasure and demands greater transparency and respect for sovereignty in U.S. Arctic policy. Experts note that attempts to cultivate influence in Greenland could undermine regional stability and complicate the alliance’s future cooperative frameworks.
Greenland’s Position and Future Outlook
Greenland’s government has consistently maintained that the island is not for sale and has emphasized its right to determine its own future. The population’s complex relationship with Denmark involves balancing desires for greater independence with economic and social ties to the kingdom. The Danish government supports Greenland’s right to decide its status but firmly opposes external efforts that aim to destabilize the internal relationship.
Amid increasing international interest in Arctic resources and navigation routes driven by climate change, Greenland occupies a crucial geopolitical spot. This incident highlights the complexities of Arctic sovereignty and the potential flashpoints of international intrigue playing out in the region.
The Danish government's decision to summon the U.S. diplomat over covert influence attempts in Greenland reflects the seriousness with which Copenhagen views the protection of its territory and sovereignty. The reported activities linked to individuals from Trump’s administration seeking to influence Greenland's political direction have exacerbated diplomatic tensions and underscored the delicate balance of Arctic geopolitics.
Denmark has conveyed a clear message that its internal affairs, specifically its relationship with Greenland, will not be subjected to interference. The future trajectory of U.S.-Denmark relations on this issue will likely hinge on ongoing diplomatic engagements and respect for the principles governing the kingdom's autonomy and unity.