The Danish government has expressed serious concerns over reports of intensified U.S. intelligence operations in Greenland, summoning the American ambassador for a formal discussion.
Denmark Condemns U.S. Spying Allegations in Greenland Amid Heightened Tensions

Denmark Condemns U.S. Spying Allegations in Greenland Amid Heightened Tensions
Denmark's Foreign Minister criticizes the Trump administration for alleged increased surveillance activities, demanding a halt to U.S. operations on Greenland.
The Danish government has issued strong warnings to the United States following allegations of increased surveillance efforts in Greenland, with significant implications for diplomatic relations.
In response to reports suggesting the Trump administration is ramping up espionage activities in Greenland, Denmark has summoned the U.S. ambassador and threatened to close a U.S. consulate on the Arctic island. Lars Lokke Rasmussen, the Danish foreign minister, voiced his concerns on Wednesday about the potential for espionage to create rifts between the two allies. He stated, "It’s deeply concerning if the U.S. is indeed trying to gather intelligence in Denmark and Greenland, especially if the aim is to drive wedges between us. We don’t spy on friends."
Greenland, an Arctic territory owned by Denmark, has been a point of interest for the Trump administration, which has previously explored the idea of acquiring the island. Trump has emphasized the strategic importance of Greenland to U.S. national security, suggesting that he would not dismiss the use of military force in securing it. In a recent NBC News interview, he said, “I’m not saying I’m going to do it, but I don’t rule out anything,” while assuring that the island’s residents would be "taken care of and cherished."
However, sentiment among Greenlanders remains resistant to such overtures. A recent poll indicated a clear majority against the idea of joining the United States, with backlash evident following a visit by Vice President JD Vance and his wife earlier this year, which seemed to hinder rather than help U.S. relations with the territory.
The ongoing tension highlights the complicated dynamics between the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland, raising questions about military interests, espionage, and the future of Greenland's autonomy amid growing geopolitical competition in the Arctic region.
In response to reports suggesting the Trump administration is ramping up espionage activities in Greenland, Denmark has summoned the U.S. ambassador and threatened to close a U.S. consulate on the Arctic island. Lars Lokke Rasmussen, the Danish foreign minister, voiced his concerns on Wednesday about the potential for espionage to create rifts between the two allies. He stated, "It’s deeply concerning if the U.S. is indeed trying to gather intelligence in Denmark and Greenland, especially if the aim is to drive wedges between us. We don’t spy on friends."
Greenland, an Arctic territory owned by Denmark, has been a point of interest for the Trump administration, which has previously explored the idea of acquiring the island. Trump has emphasized the strategic importance of Greenland to U.S. national security, suggesting that he would not dismiss the use of military force in securing it. In a recent NBC News interview, he said, “I’m not saying I’m going to do it, but I don’t rule out anything,” while assuring that the island’s residents would be "taken care of and cherished."
However, sentiment among Greenlanders remains resistant to such overtures. A recent poll indicated a clear majority against the idea of joining the United States, with backlash evident following a visit by Vice President JD Vance and his wife earlier this year, which seemed to hinder rather than help U.S. relations with the territory.
The ongoing tension highlights the complicated dynamics between the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland, raising questions about military interests, espionage, and the future of Greenland's autonomy amid growing geopolitical competition in the Arctic region.