Intelligence Officials Are Leaking Classified Information to Undermine Trump’s Plans Again

Increased US Surveillance in Greenland

The US Director of Intelligence has instructed agencies to enhance surveillance in Greenland. This information came to light through the Wall Street Journal, marking President Donald Trump’s first significant move toward asserting American control over the territory.

The directive calls on the Defense Intelligence Reporting Agency (DIA), National Security Agency (NSA), and CIA to pinpoint Greenlandic and Danish figures who might support US objectives, as well as to gauge local sentiment regarding American resource extraction efforts. This report has raised eyebrows, particularly as it triggered a strong reaction from National Intelligence Director Tarshi Gabbard, who accused the source of leaking to obstruct the administration.

“The Wall Street Journal should be ashamed for giving a platform to individuals within deep state circles who attempt to politicize and disclose classified information to undermine the president,” Gabbard stated. “Such actions are illegal and jeopardize our nation’s security and democracy.”

This “collection emphasis message” reportedly circulated later last week, shifting intelligence priorities towards Denmark and away from conventional threat assessments. While a national security council spokesman declined to comment specifically on the journal’s findings, he noted that the president remains focused on the security of Greenland and the Arctic region.

Trump has consistently emphasized, especially in his March joint address to Congress, that he “needs” Greenland for both national and international security, indicating that the US is prepared to pursue acquisition “by some means.” When questioned by NBC News on Sunday about the potential use of military force, he stated, “I won’t rule out anything.”

Vice President JD Vance, former National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Energy Secretary Chris Wright visited Greenland in late March, a move that drew sharp criticism from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. She described the visit as placing “unacceptable pressure” on both Greenlanders and Danes alike.

Greenland, home to around 56,000 residents, possesses vast reserves of rare earth elements, oil, and natural gas. However, extraction has been historically complicated by challenging climate conditions and limited infrastructure. The US intelligence community has generally viewed the island as a low-priority target for collection efforts, as it’s perceived not as a typical ally.