US intensifies intelligence efforts in Greenland amid Trump’s controversial claims
- Reports surfaced detailing increased U.S. intelligence operations focused on Greenland, following President Trump's expressed interest in the territory.
- Danish officials raised concerns about these spying activities, leading to plans to summon the U.S. ambassador for clarification.
- The geopolitical significance of Greenland, particularly its resource wealth, remains a contentious issue in U.S.-Denmark relations.
In late 2019, the U.S. began to significantly increase its intelligence-gathering operations related to Greenland, a self-governing territory that is part of the Kingdom of Denmark. This increase followed President Donald Trump's ongoing interest in acquiring the island, which has been noted for its geopolitical significance and rich deposits of rare-earth minerals, oil, and natural gas. A directive named 'collection emphasis message' was issued, instructing intelligence agencies like the CIA and NSA to prioritize information about Greenland’s independence movement as well as local sentiment about American resource extraction attempts. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard emphasized that these operations were essential for national security but also criticized media outlets for allegedly leaking sensitive information. In a corresponding move, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen expressed concerns about U.S. espionage activities against an ally, stating that his government would summon the U.S. ambassador to clarify these reports. He reinforced Denmark's position that spying on friends is unacceptable. In a broader context, Trump's unusual interest in Greenland can be traced back to its valuable resources and a perceived need for enhanced security in the Arctic, an area increasingly contested by global powers such as Russia and China. Tensions were further escalated by Trump's public comments about not ruling out the use of military force to obtain the island, which have raised eyebrows and resulted in international condemnation. Moreover, both former President Joe Biden and several Danish officials have challenged Trump's rhetoric, underscoring that such aggressive strategies contradict democratic values and stability.