Denmark has announced plans to summon the acting U.S. ambassador following reports that American intelligence agencies have been instructed to enhance their surveillance in Greenland.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen mentioned in a press conference on Wednesday that he would request a report on the matter for further discussion at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
These remarks follow an article in the Wall Street Journal, where a senior official under National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard stated that a “collection emphasis message” had been sent to the head of the Intelligence Agency.
The directive reportedly focuses on understanding Greenland’s stance on independence and its relationship with the U.S., with specific instruction to identify Greenlandic and Danish individuals who are in favor of U.S. objectives for the territory.
“I came across an article in the Wall Street Journal, and it’s very concerning to me because I don’t spy on my friends,” Rasmussen expressed to the press.
He also characterized the report as “somewhat intrusive.”
This situation arises in the context of the Trump administration’s interest in acquiring Greenland, which is a territory of Denmark. President Trump had previously expressed a desire to purchase the island, though officials from both Greenland and Denmark have stated that this will not occur.
