In a significant escalation of diplomatic tensions, Denmark has initiated a special "night watch" within its foreign ministry in Copenhagen. This decisive action is a direct response to renewed threats from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the potential annexation of Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory.
A Direct Response to Provocative Rhetoric
The move was detailed in a new report released on Wednesday, highlighting the seriousness with which Denmark is treating the situation. Trump has explicitly stated he would not rule out seizing the massive Arctic island by force, framing the acquisition as a critical matter of U.S. national security. His comments to NBC's Kristen Welker in May, where he asserted, "We need Greenland very badly," have clearly unsettled the Danish government.
Denmark has consistently rebuffed such notions, firmly maintaining that Greenland "is not for sale." The establishment of the nightly watch, which begins daily at 5 p.m. local time, is a tangible measure to ensure the Scandinavian nation is prepared to handle any potential emergencies or developments originating from the United States, especially given the time difference.
How the 'Night Watch' Operates
According to a report from Politiken newspaper cited by The Guardian, the newly implemented system is designed for maximum vigilance. The foreign ministry's "night watch" team monitors global developments and ensures a rapid response capability. Following each watch, a comprehensive morning report is circulated to departments across the Danish government, detailing any relevant overnight statements or events.
A source close to the foreign office confirmed to The Guardian, "It is fair to say that the situation in Greenland and the time difference between Denmark and the United States was quite an important factor introducing this arrangement during the spring." This underscores that the protocol was specifically tailored to address the unique challenges posed by the Greenland dispute.
Diplomatic Tensions and the Path Forward
The situation remains highly active on the diplomatic front. As reported by Bloomberg and Politiken, senior officials from the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland are scheduled to meet in Nuuk next month. This will mark the first official three-way talks since Trump's very public push to acquire the island, setting the stage for a critical dialogue.
Adding to the friction, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen recently stated he warned the U.S. ambassador to Denmark, Ken Howery, to stay away from Greenland. When asked by Politico if the ambassador should keep his hands off the territory, Rasmussen replied unequivocally: "Yes, he should, and so should the U.S. in general — and the Americans know that very well." This firm stance illustrates the depth of Denmark's commitment to protecting Greenland's status and signals a challenging road ahead for bilateral relations.
