Local media have reported that several Americans with connections to U.S. President Donald Trump are conducting operations in Danish territory Greenland to spread pro-American sentiment. With the Danish government summoning the acting U.S. ambassador just one day after the report was published to lodge a protest, there are concerns that another diplomatic clash between the United States and Denmark may arise.
On August 26 (local time), Danish public broadcaster DR cited multiple sources in Denmark, Greenland, and the United States, reporting that at least three Americans linked to President Trump had secretly carried out an "influence operation" in Greenland.
An influence operation refers to covert activities by a specific group, such as information gathering, manipulating public opinion, and contacting key figures, to achieve their political or military objectives.
The outlet reported that one of the three Americans compiled lists of pro-American Greenlandic residents and those opposed to President Trump, and also contacted locals to collect cases that could portray Denmark negatively in U.S. media. The other two individuals reportedly attempted to make contact with politicians, businesspeople, and local residents.
The broadcaster explained that the report was based on information from a total of eight sources, who believe the Americans' actions were aimed at weakening Denmark-Greenland relations within Greenland. However, it was noted that it remains unclear whether these Americans acted independently or under someone else's direction.
According to the Associated Press, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen stated in an email on the 27th, just one day later, "We are aware that foreign powers continue to show interest in Greenland and its status within Denmark," adding, "Any attempt to interfere in our domestic affairs is, of course, unacceptable."
President Trump has previously faced backlash from both Denmark and Greenland for openly expressing his desire to incorporate Danish territory Greenland into U.S. territory immediately upon returning to the White House. While Denmark is open to expanding security cooperation with the United States in the Arctic, it maintains that incorporating Greenland is absolutely out of the question.
Greenland, with a population of about 57,000, was under Danish rule for nearly 300 years before ending its colonial relationship in 1953 and being incorporated as part of Denmark proper. Currently, Greenland has autonomy over all policy decisions except for foreign affairs and defense. Although it is rich in minerals, oil, and natural gas, its economic self-sufficiency remains weak.
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