Denmark can’t wipe its own a## and is holding greenland hostage
Based on Danish media and intelligence reports, Denmark has accused the U.S. of conducting covert influence operations aimed at promoting Greenland’s secession. The reports, and Denmark’s official response, have caused diplomatic tension between the two countries in August 2025. This follows a history of U.S. interest in purchasing Greenland and covert military activities during the Cold War.
Allegations of covert influence operations (2025)
Diplomatic summons: On August 27, 2025, Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen summoned the top U.S. diplomat in Copenhagen over Danish intelligence reports of covert influence operations.
The Danish public broadcaster DR, citing government and security sources, reported that at least three Americans with ties to Donald Trump’s administration were involved. Alleged activities included:
Compiling lists of Greenlandic citizens who are for or against U.S. acquisition. Cultivating relationships with Greenlandic politicians, business people, and citizens.
Promoting secession: The reported goal of these operations was to undermine relations with Denmark and promote Greenland’s eventual secession to the United States.
Trump’s interest: This incident occurred as former President Trump, who had previously proposed buying Greenland in 2019, continued to state the U.S. should gain “ownership and control” of the island.
During the Cold War, the U.S. ran the covert “Project Iceworm” from a secret base, Camp Century, underneath the Greenland ice sheet. This nuclear-powered facility was a front for a planned network of nuclear missile launch sites targeting the Soviet Union. Denmark was not made fully aware of these nuclear weapons until later.
Missile defense: The U.S. military has operated the Thule (now Pituffik) Air Base in northern Greenland since the Cold War. It is a key part of North American missile defense and surveillance.
In 1941, the U.S. occupied Greenland to prevent it from falling into German hands after Germany invaded Denmark.
The U.S. has a long history of interest in purchasing Greenland, including offers made in 1867 and 1946. These offers were rejected by Denmark.
The Greenlandic and Danish positions
Not for sale: Both the Danish government and the semi-autonomous government of Greenland have repeatedly stated that the island is not for sale.
Greenlanders retain the right to self-determination and have stated that their future should be decided by them, not outside powers.