At least three men, all linked to the Trump administration, are said to have been conducting ‘infiltration’ and ‘influence operations’ in Greenland, sparking tensions with Denmark
Three US nationals linked with US President Donald Trump have reportedly conducted “infiltration” and “influence operations” in Greenland.
The discovery has sparked diplomatic tensions between the States and Denmark, which holds the island as an autonomous territory. According to reports, the individuals worked to gather a list of Greenlandic citizens who support Trump’s controversial plans to acquire Greenland.
They were also accused of recruiting those sympathetic to a separatist movement aimed at severing Greenland’s ties with Denmark. According to multiple sources within the Danish and Greenlandic governments, at least three men, all linked to the Trump administration, are believed to be involved in the operation.
Their efforts have been described as “infiltration” and “influence operations,” with the ultimate aim of weakening Greenland’s relationship with Denmark and aligning the island with the United States.
The operation, which began after Trump’s public comments about wanting to take over Greenland, is being closely monitored by both Danish and Greenlandic authorities.
A source familiar with the matter told DR, the Danish national broadcaster: “We are all worried about this. Of course, we are.” It has not yet been confirmed whether the trio are acting on their own initiative or under direct orders from the White House.
One of the American men, who has been frequently seen with Trump, visited Nuuk earlier this year. During his visit, he reportedly compiled a list of Greenlandic citizens who support Trump’s ambitions for the island, as well as those opposed to him. The man, who was recently appointed to a role that could influence US security policy, allegedly also sought to identify issues that could be used to discredit Denmark in US media.
Among the topics discussed were controversial cases such as the forced removal of Greenlandic children and the “spiral case,” in which Danish doctors implanted IUDs in Greenlandic women without consent.
All three men are claimed to have been cultivating relationships with Greenlandic politicians, business leaders, and citizens, raising suspicions that these contacts could be used to further Trump’s agenda in the region. Danish intelligence service PET (Politiets Efterretningstjeneste) has acknowledged that Greenland is a target for foreign influence campaigns, particularly due to the significance of the island. PET noted that such campaigns could exploit existing or fabricated disputes between Greenland and Denmark to foster division.
“The aim would be to use specific incidents or strengthen particular viewpoints to create friction between Greenland and Denmark,” a PET spokesperson said.
The Danish government is now facing a delicate situation. While it is keen to ensure that Greenlandic citizens are aware of the potential influence being exerted on them, it is also careful not to interfere in Greenland’s internal affairs.
It has left officials in a difficult position, balancing the need for transparency with respect for Greenland’s autonomy. Sources suggest that the Americans’ activities in Greenland could escalate in the coming months.
There is speculation that US intelligence services have already increased their surveillance of the Greenlandic independence movement. It follows a May Wall Street Journal report revealing that the US intelligence community had been directed to gather information on the island’s political future.
The report also indicated that the US had been tracking individuals in Greenland and Denmark who support Trump’s vision for the territory.
Although there is no evidence to suggest that the US government intends to use military force to secure Greenland, as Trump had previously hinted, sources warn that the current phase of operations is focused on political and social influence rather than direct intervention.