US-Denmark relations have taken a sharp downturn after fresh intelligence reports revealed that a three-member US team secretly worked to advance Donald Trump’s ambition of acquiring Greenland following his presidency. Denmark has summoned a senior US diplomat in Copenhagen after its government was alerted to the covert efforts by individuals with close ties to Trump. According to Denmark’s state broadcaster DR, sources informed the government that three Americans linked to the former administration were involved in promoting the plan, though neither DR nor the Danish Foreign Ministry disclosed their identities.
The controversy comes amid lingering disputes over Greenland’s future and Trump’s earlier attempts to bring the world’s largest island under US control. Trump had repeatedly described Greenland, rich in minerals and strategically vital in the Arctic, as “essential” to US security. His renewed push has resurfaced through a statement on his Truth Social platform, in which he underscored that Washington views ownership of Greenland as critical for American interests. This ambition was reflected in the nomination of PayPal co-founder Ken Howery as ambassador to Denmark during Trump’s tenure.
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen responded firmly, noting, “We know that foreign powers continue to have an interest in Greenland and its position in the Kingdom of Denmark. Therefore, it is not surprising that we will face external attempts to influence the future of the country in the future.” Greenland remains a self-governing territory under Danish sovereignty, making any such efforts highly sensitive.
Adding to the friction, the reports emerge as Trump positions himself globally as a peacemaker. He recently drew attention for touting a “historic” peace deal between Russia and Ukraine and 50% import tariff on India, claiming his diplomatic approach could end the war. Trump also asserted that he had successfully mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan during his presidency, a claim that was widely questioned at the time. These bold pronouncements, combined with renewed ambitions over Greenland, have fueled speculation about his broader geopolitical strategy and aspirations for recognition, including the Nobel Peace Prize.
Tensions have also been heightened by recent events. In March, US Vice President J.D. Vance visited Greenland but was forced to cancel public appearances and move to a remote military base due to protests. Vance’s wife’s scheduled visit was also scrapped. Shortly after, Denmark temporarily suspended a major offshore wind project by Orsted, raising questions about possible American pressure. Earlier in January, Trump’s son Don Jr. visited Greenland, though there is no evidence linking him to the secret mission now under scrutiny.
With these revelations, the diplomatic standoff is set to deepen, reviving debates over the Arctic’s strategic importance and America’s persistent interest in Greenland’s future, exposing the glaring hypocrisy and double standards of the United States, which seeks to annex land even as it aggressively positions itself as a global peacemaker through high-profile peace deals.
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