Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen stated on Wednesday that Denmark has observed foreign actors expressing interest in Greenland's status, and that any attempt to interfere in Denmark's internal affairs is unacceptable.
An investigation by the Danish public broadcaster DR found that at least three Americans with connections to US President Donald Trump have been conducting secret influence campaigns in Greenland, aimed at persuading the country to join the US.
The report, citing Danish government sources as well as American sources, stated that the goal of these operations was to infiltrate Greenlandic society, weaken its relationship with Denmark from within, and persuade Greenlanders to join the US.
DR reported that it was unable to determine whether the American actors acted on their own initiative or under orders. Their activities were closely monitored by Danish authorities.
Additionally, the report stated that these Americans had been seen often with Trump, and that the outlet knows their names but will not disclose them to protect their sources.
One of the actors was reportedly seen with Trump on several occasions and has been recently appointed to a role that could give him influence over US security policy.
He also got Greenlanders to identify issues that could be used to portray Denmark negatively in American media, such as the forced removal of Greenlandic children in Denmark.
Trump previously said he wants Greenland to be part of US
Trump has said that he wants to make Greenland part of the US and previously stated that he does not rule out using military or economic power to get Denmark to hand over the mineral-rich and strategically important island.
"Greenland is an incredible place, and the people will benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our Nation," Trump said in a Truth Social post on Monday.
"This is a deal that must happen," Trump said on Tuesday as his son, Donald Trump Jr., paid a private visit to Greenland.
Trump first expressed interest in buying the mostly ice-covered island of just 57,000 people from Denmark in 2019, but was rebuffed.