Denmark summoned the top American diplomat in Copenhagen following a report in Danish media alleging that American citizens have been conducting covert influence operations in Greenland aimed at interfering with the island’s political status.
The Aug. 27 report from Denmark’s state broadcaster DR said Danish intelligence services uncovered a network of at least three people working on “influence operations” in Greenland to drive a wedge between Denmark and its territory, which President Donald Trump has said he wants to become part of the United States.
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“Any attempt to interfere in the Kingdom’s internal affairs will obviously be unacceptable,” Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said after he summoned Mark Stroh, the U.S. charge d’affaires in Copenhagen, for an explanation about the report. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the alleged interference was “unacceptable.”
The U.S. currently has no ambassador in Denmark. A charge d’affaires is a diplomat who serves as an embassy’s chief of mission in the absence of the ambassador.
There was no immediate reaction from the White House to the development. The U.S. consulate in Greenland’s capital Nuuk did not immediately respond to a comment request.
According to the DR report, one American allegedly visited Greenland to attend meetings and compile a list of potential allies and opponents of Trump’s desire to take over the territory.
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The two other Americans were allegedly involved in building networks of contacts with politicians, business figures and community leaders to pursue Trump’s plans. DR said it knew the names of the three American men involved in the alleged spying operations, but chose not to publish them to protect sources. DR said it was not able to determine whether the Americans were working on their own initiative or as a result of an order.
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The Wall Street Journal separately reported in May that the U.S stepped up its intelligence operations to spy on Greenland. That report also prompted Rasmussen to summon the U.S. envoy.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is US running covert operation in Greenland? Denmark summons US envoy
