Denmark has summoned the top U.S. diplomat in the country over disturbing allegations that American operatives with ties to President Donald Trump have engaged in covert influence campaigns in Greenland. The unusual diplomatic move signals growing concern in Copenhagen about foreign interference in the Arctic region—specifically, attempts to sway Greenlandic politics and public opinion.

Mark Stroh, the chargé d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Denmark, was called in by Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen following media reports detailing a covert operation allegedly carried out by three American individuals. These individuals are said to have connections to Trump’s previous administration and were reportedly active in Greenland over recent months.

Covert Influence Campaign Uncovered

According to Denmark’s public broadcaster DR, the Americans conducted a range of questionable activities in Greenland. These included mapping out local political actors, identifying individuals sympathetic to U.S. interests, compiling lists of Trump critics, and establishing links with Greenlandic businesses and politicians.

While there is no direct evidence that the operation was sanctioned by the current U.S. government, the individuals involved are reportedly well-connected within conservative political circles in Washington. Their goal, it appears, was to push narratives that favor increased U.S. influence in Greenland—an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.

Denmark Pushes Back

Foreign Minister Rasmussen responded swiftly and firmly, calling the reported actions “unacceptable” and demanding explanations from the U.S. Embassy. “We take interference in our internal affairs very seriously, and any attempts to manipulate public sentiment or political outcomes in Greenland are deeply troubling,” Rasmussen said following the meeting with Stroh.

Denmark’s intelligence agency, PET, has been monitoring the situation and confirmed heightened foreign interest in Greenland. PET warned that the island is increasingly the focus of influence campaigns, not only from the U.S. but also from other global powers seeking strategic footholds in the Arctic.

Strategic Interest in the Arctic

Greenland’s vast natural resources and key geographic location have made it an area of intense global interest. ForPresident Trump famously proposed purchasing Greenland from Denmark in 2019—a suggestion met with ridicule and rejection from Danish and Greenlandic officials alike. Still, interest in the territory has not waned, particularly among political groups in the U.S. who view Greenland as a vital asset in future geopolitical competition.

Greenland’s leaders have consistently reaffirmed their commitment to autonomy under the Danish realm, while also expressing interest in developing stronger international partnerships. The new revelations, however, have added fresh tension to U.S.–Danish relations and raised questions about the Arctic’s growing role in global power dynamics.

Looking Ahead

While the U.S. government has not formally responded to the summons or the allegations, the incident is likely to cause diplomatic strain. As Denmark steps up its presence in Greenland and reinforces its security posture, it is clear that the Arctic is no longer just a frozen frontier—it’s becoming a hotbed of global rivalry.