Introduction
Tensions between Denmark and the United States surged this week as Denmark’s foreign minister announced he would summon the US ambassador to discuss reports of American espionage in Greenland. The revelations come amid Donald Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring the Arctic territory, raising serious questions about US intentions and international norms.
1. US Intelligence Agencies Ordered to Spy on Greenland
According to The Wall Street Journal, US spy agencies were directed to monitor Greenland’s independence movement and assess its mineral resource potential. This surveillance is reportedly linked to Trump’s ambition to annex the island.
2. Denmark Outraged, Summons US Ambassador
Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen expressed outrage, saying, “We do not spy on friends.” He announced that the US acting ambassador would be summoned to Copenhagen for clarification—a rare diplomatic rebuke between NATO allies.
3. Tulsi Gabbard Defends Trump, Slams Media
US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard did not deny the report but instead accused the Journal of politicizing classified intelligence to undermine President Trump, calling the leak “unlawful and dangerous.”
4. Greenland’s Strategic and Resource Importance
Greenland hosts valuable rare earth minerals and is home to a key US military base from WWII. Trump has not ruled out using military force, saying, “We need Greenland very badly.” His motives include national security and economic leverage in the Arctic.
5. Danish PM Condemns US Pressure Campaign
Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen denounced a March visit by US Vice-President JD Vance to a Greenlandic military base, calling it “unacceptable pressure” on local officials. She emphasized Greenland’s right to self-governance without coercion.
6. Greenlanders Reject US Takeover
Despite a growing independence movement, polls indicate that most Greenlanders reject US annexation. The island prefers autonomy under Denmark rather than becoming an American territory.
7. Biden Joins Criticism, Warns Against Imperialism
Former President Joe Biden told BBC News that Trump’s territorial ambitions are “not who we are.” He cited Trump’s desire to take over the Panama Canal, Greenland, and even make Canada a US state as alarming signs of a dangerous ideology.
Conclusion
The US-Greenland espionage controversy reveals a growing geopolitical competition in the Arctic. As climate change opens new shipping routes and resource frontiers, global powers—including the US—are increasing their stakes. For now, Denmark is holding firm, demanding answers while Greenland resists becoming a pawn in a superpower struggle. Learn more about how rare earth minerals drive modern geopolitics.
