Denmark Sets Up Nighttime Monitoring Operation to Track President Trump Following Greenland Dispute
Taking action reminiscent of TV series watches, the Danish foreign ministry has created a night watch unit—far from to fend off mythical foes, but to track the US president as Copenhagen sleeps.
The night watch begins at 5pm local time daily and concludes with a summary compiled at 7am, which is then distributed throughout government departments and relevant offices detailing statements made and events taking place.
The role is believed to have been established following the diplomatic dispute involving Copenhagen and the US regarding the Arctic island this spring, when the American leader suggested taking control of the strategic island.
Observers point out that this measure is one of multiple examples of how Danish diplomacy and its government administration have had to adapt to the changed landscape of the second Trump administration.
A source close to the foreign office stated, “It is fair to say that the circumstances in Greenland and the time difference separating Copenhagen and the United States were quite an important reason prompting this arrangement in the earlier months.”
Instead of all staff needing to immediately reach for their phones to stay informed on updates from the US, the foreign office said it had undertaken a coordinated approach to stay updated on Trump actions.
Jacob Kaarsbo, a ex- chief analyst at the defense intelligence service, commented that this move demonstrated, “as long understood,” that the idea of the United States as Denmark's largest and most important ally was dead. “Alliances are built on shared principles and a common threat perception,” Kaarsbo said. “Trump lacks both of those with us and I would argue he doesn't share it with the majority of Europe.”
