Denmark Calls In US Ambassador Over Greenland Espionage Claims

Following a report suggesting US intelligence activities focused on Greenland, Danish officials express concerns about the implications for their sovereignty and international friendship, particularly stemming from remarks by former President Trump.

Denmark has summoned the US ambassador for discussions regarding a report claiming that American intelligence agencies have been instructed to concentrate their espionage efforts on Greenland. The allegations come in light of past statements made by former President Donald Trump, who expressed interest in acquiring the sparsely populated island. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen voiced his concerns, stating, "It worries me greatly because we do not spy on friends," as he responded to the revelations published in The Wall Street Journal.

The report indicates that US spy agencies are particularly interested in Greenland's moves towards independence, as well as its potential mineral resources. Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, contested the article's claims, suggesting the Journal aimed to "undermine" Trump's presidency by leaking classified information. She refrained from outright denying the report but condemned the publication for breaching national security protocols.

In Warsaw for an EU ministers meeting, Rasmussen noted the necessity for clarity amidst "disturbing" reports. He announced plans to engage with the acting US ambassador at the Danish foreign ministry to confirm the details. The Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) acknowledged the heightened espionage risk related to international interests in Greenland without commenting directly on the article.

Trump has consistently asserted his desire to bring Greenland under US control, with the prospect of military intervention being mentioned. He claimed during an NBC interview that controlling Greenland is crucial for geopolitical security. The Danish PM, Mette Frederiksen, criticized a recent visit to the island by Vice-President JD Vance, labeling it unacceptable pressure on Greenland's political landscape.

Amid growing unrest over the US's intentions, former President Joe Biden, sharply criticized Trump's sentiments regarding territorial acquisition, asserting, "What the hell's going on here? What president ever talks like that?" Biden stressed the US's values of freedom and democracy rather than imperialistic ambitions.

As the world's largest island, Greenland maintains a complicated relationship with Denmark, governing its own internal matters but relying on Copenhagen for foreign and defense policies. Polls show that a significant majority of Greenlanders favor independence from Denmark, yet they do not wish for their future to involve integration with the United States.