Denmark Sets Up Special Monitoring Operation to Observe President Trump Following Greenland Row
In a move inspired by fictional watches, the Danish foreign affairs department has created a night watch unit—far from to fend off fantasy threats, but to monitor Donald Trump while Copenhagen sleeps.
The night watch starts at 5 p.m. in Denmark each day and ends with a summary produced at 7am, which is then circulated across the Danish government and relevant offices detailing statements made and developments taking place.
This position is believed to have been established in the wake of the diplomatic dispute between Denmark and the US over Greenland earlier this year, when the US president threatened taking control of the strategic territory.
Analysts note that this measure is one of multiple instances of how Denmark's foreign policy and its civil service have had to adjust to the changed landscape of the second Trump administration.
An insider close to the foreign office stated, “It's accurate to say that the situation in Greenland and the time difference separating Copenhagen and the United States were quite an important reason introducing this arrangement in the earlier months.”
Instead of all staff having to immediately check their devices to stay informed on updates from the US, the foreign office explained it had made a collective effort to remain informed on Trump activities.
Jacob Kaarsbo, a ex- chief analyst at the Danish defence intelligence agency, stated that this move showed, “as long understood,” that the notion of the US as Denmark’s largest and most important ally was no longer valid. “Alliances are built on common values and a mutual view of threats,” he said. “Trump lacks both of those with Denmark and I would argue he doesn't share it with the majority of Europe.”