Danish Prime Minister: U.S. “Secret Activities” in Greenland Are Unacceptable

On August 27, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen delivered a strong message in Copenhagen, responding to media reports that U.S. operatives were allegedly engaged in secret activities in Greenland. She declared that any interference in the internal affairs of the Danish Kingdom is “absolutely unacceptable.”

Clear Rift Between Denmark and the U.S.

Frederiksen emphasized that Denmark and the U.S. hold “very clear differences” on the Greenland issue. She stressed that the Danish government takes the matter extremely seriously and would not tolerate any form of outside interference. Notably, she pointed out that Washington has so far failed to deny the reports — a silence she described as “deeply concerning.”

On the same day, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen summoned the U.S. Embassy’s chargé d’affaires in Copenhagen, demanding clarification from Washington on the alleged “secret operations.”

Reports of Secret Trips and Influence Efforts

According to Denmark’s national broadcaster, at least three individuals closely connected to former President Donald Trump and senior White House officials have repeatedly traveled between the U.S. and Greenland. They are suspected of attempting to build private networks, infiltrate local communities, expand intelligence collection, and encourage Greenland to distance itself from Denmark while aligning more closely with the U.S.

Denmark’s Security and Intelligence Service (PET) has warned that external forces may be trying to exploit or create divisions to weaken ties between Denmark and Greenland. PET confirmed it is working closely with Greenland’s autonomous government to assess risks and craft countermeasures.

Strategic Island in the Arctic Chessboard

Located in the northeastern part of North America, Greenland is the world’s largest island and an autonomous territory of Denmark. While it enjoys broad self-rule, Copenhagen retains control over defense and foreign affairs. The U.S. already maintains a military base on the island, underscoring its strategic importance.

Since Donald Trump’s presidency, Greenland’s geopolitical value has been thrust into the spotlight. Trump even openly expressed his wish to “buy Greenland,” and went so far as to say he did not rule out the use of force — remarks that drew widespread condemnation from both the Danish government and Greenlandic residents.

📌 Commentary
The Greenland dispute is more than a bilateral spat; it reflects the larger geopolitical struggle unfolding in the Arctic. Denmark’s rare show of defiance toward its closest ally highlights the deep tensions between strategic interests and traditional partnerships.