U.S. individuals with ties to Donald Trump are allegedly conducting covert influence campaigns in Greenland, aiming to weaken its bond with Denmark and promote American interests. Danish security services have confirmed Greenland is a target of escalating political interference. While Trump allies infiltrate Greenland, Greenlandic men approached by these individuals have informed Danish security services
Greenland Under the Microscope of U.S.-Linked Actors
Greenland’s snowy capital, Nuuk, became the discreet stage for a controversial visit earlier this year. A U.S. citizen with close connections to President Donald Trump and the White House reportedly traveled to the autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark on a mission to gather the names of pro-American Greenlanders. These individuals were seen as potential allies in a movement to shift the island’s allegiance away from Denmark and potentially toward the United States.
This figure, along with at least two other Americans with past roles in the Trump administration, are believed to be engaged in influence operations intended to exploit tensions between Denmark and Greenland, according to sources within multiple layers of the Danish and Greenlandic governments, as well as American insiders. These operations are described as hidden attempts of Trump allies infiltrate Greenland ’s political and social structures using soft power tactics to sow division.
Trump Allies Infiltrate Greenland: A Covert Operation Sparked by Strategic Interests
The suspected campaign appears to be multifaceted. According to intelligence gathered by Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR), one of the American visitors compiled not only a list of Greenlanders sympathetic to Trump’s vision but also identified those perceived as political opponents. Reports from individuals with knowledge of these events suggest efforts were also made to collect cases that could portray Denmark negatively in U.S. media – such as historic human rights controversies involving Greenlandic families living in Denmark.
One of the Americans involved, who now reportedly holds a post influencing U.S. national security policy, is said to have met frequently with Donald Trump and maintains a high profile within American political circles.
Influence Operations Monitored by Danish Authorities
Denmark’s domestic intelligence agency, PET (Politiets Efterretningstjeneste), confirmed that Greenland is currently the focus of foreign influence campaigns. PET states that these efforts are aimed at leveraging or even fabricating disputes between Danes and Greenlanders as a means to disrupt unity within the Kingdom.
According to PET, Greenland is vulnerable to manipulation because of already existing political debates on its future governance and potential independence. The agency has now committed more resources to monitor these developments directly on Greenland and is working closely with local authorities to assess threats and develop countermeasures.
A Three-Phase Strategy to Shift Influence
Source analysis indicates that the Trump-aligned influence campaign may operate under a three-step approach. The first phase featured diplomatic charm offensives, including a high-profile visit by Trump’s son in January. The second involved ramping up pressure on Denmark itself, such as a critical speech given by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance at the American Thule Air Base in Greenland in March, accusing Denmark of failing its Arctic territory.
The third phase, currently underway, focuses on direct infiltration of Greenlandic society. While speculation arose in spring 2025 about possible military actions, Danish sources believe the U.S. is more likely to rely on intelligence and psychological operations than overt force.
Spying Allegations Intensify Concerns As Trump Allies Infiltrate Greenland
Reports published in May by The Wall Street Journal revealed that U.S. intelligence agencies had been ordered to increase surveillance activities in Greenland. These included efforts to gather information about Greenland’s independence movement and individuals in both Greenland and Denmark who might support a U.S. acquisition.
The disclosure has heightened fears among Danish officials, who call the potential involvement of American intelligence services a clear violation of Danish sovereignty. Two sources cited the drop in recent American activity in Greenland as a possible indicator of more professional, and thus more discreet, intelligence operations ramping up behind the scenes.
Diplomatic Tightrope for Denmark
Danish authorities now face a diplomatic dilemma. While Trump allies infiltrate Greenland, they seek to alert Greenlanders to possible foreign interference while being careful not to interfere in Greenland’s self-governance or make overt accusations against the United States, a strategic ally and NATO partner.
One complicating factor is the ambiguous legality of these actions. While it is not illegal for foreign individuals to advocate for Greenlandic independence or promote bilateral relations, Danish officials emphasize that espionage or orchestrated manipulation crosses a red line.
As of mid-2025, the Danish government is pursuing a delicate route of strengthening intelligence activities in Greenland while avoiding a public confrontation. The U.S. government, meanwhile, denies directing citizen involvement in political messaging in Greenland, asserting respect for the people’s right to determine their own political future.
Greenland’s Geopolitical Importance Grows
With approximately 2.2 million square kilometers of largely untapped mineral wealth and critical geopolitical location between North America and the Arctic, Greenland’s strategic significance continues to rise. As tension simmers between influence, sovereignty, and global power interests, the volcanic island finds itself once again at the crossroads of international politics.
