Denmark Demands Answers From U.S. Diplomat Over Covert ‘Influence Operations’ in Greenland by Alleged Trump Associates
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The Danish foreign minister summoned the top U.S. diplomat in the country to answer questions about alleged covert “influence operations” in Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark.
A report by DR, a Danish public broadcaster, at least three men with “ties” to President Donald Trump have been conducting operations in Greenland, reportedly as part of an effort to swing public opinion to make residents open to the idea of joining the U.S. The report alleged that the men were trying to “infiltrate Greenlandic society.”
Soon after taking office, Trump repeatedly expressed a desire to annex Greenland, either via purchase or by “force.” The president has claimed the acquisition is necessary for U.S. security purposes. Both Greenland and Denmark have rejected Trump’s overtures.
On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of State confirmed that “Chargé d’Affaires Mark Stroh met with the Danish MFA today at their request.” A State Department spokesperson said Stroh and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen had “a productive conversation” that “reaffirmed the strong ties among the government of Greenland, the United States, and Denmark.”
The spokesperson went on to say the department would not comment on the actions of “private citizens.”
“The US government does not control or direct the actions of private citizens,” they said. “The President, the Vice President, and the Secretary of State have all been clear: the United States respects the right of the people of Greenland to determine their own future.”
The DR report alleged that one of the Americans involved compiled a list of Trump supporters in Greenland with the ultimate aim of creating a secessionist movement in the territory of 57,000 people. Two other men have reportedly been contacting politicians and business leaders in Greenland. DR said it could not ascertain whether the operatives were acting on orders from the Trump administration.
“Any attempt to interfere” in Denmark’s internal affairs is “unacceptable,” Rasmussen said.
