US instructs Denmark to ‘calm down’ over Greenland

(MENAFN) The US has urged Denmark to "calm down" after Copenhagen summoned the American charge d’affaires over reports of a US-backed influence effort aimed at encouraging Greenland’s secession. Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark.

The Danish protest followed media claims that at least three Americans connected to former President Donald Trump were working to weaken ties between Greenland and Denmark and recruit supporters for independence. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen called such actions unacceptable and summoned US Charge d’Affaires Mark Stroh for discussions.

A State Department spokesperson confirmed that Stroh met with Rasmussen, describing the talks as “productive” and reaffirming the strong relationship between Greenland, Denmark, and the US. However, the White House declined to confirm any influence campaign, with a spokesman telling CBS News that Denmark should “calm down.” The official also refrained from commenting on the activities of private US citizens in Greenland but emphasized Washington’s respect for the islanders’ right to decide their future.

Danish intelligence previously warned that Greenland is targeted by various influence campaigns—ranging from traditional agents to disinformation—aimed at disrupting its relationship with Denmark. As a result, Denmark has increased its intelligence presence on the island.

Former President Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in bringing Greenland under US control, describing it as a strategically important territory with valuable mineral resources and a key location in the Arctic. Greenland already hosts a US military base and is viewed by Washington as vital to North Atlantic security.

These US ambitions in Greenland come amid wider geopolitical rivalry with Russia and China over Arctic development. Russian President Vladimir Putin has called the region a zone with “enormous potential” for trade and growth.

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