Denmark Sets Up Special Monitoring Operation to Observe President Trump After Greenland Dispute
In a move inspired by TV series watches, the Danish foreign affairs department has initiated a night watch team—far from to fend off mythical threats, but to monitor Donald Trump as Denmark sleeps.
This night monitoring starts at 5 p.m. local time each day and concludes with a summary produced at 7am, which is then distributed throughout the Danish government and concerned offices covering statements made and developments that occurred.
This position is believed to have been introduced in the wake of the bilateral row between Copenhagen and Washington regarding Greenland earlier this year, when the American leader suggested acquiring control of the resource-rich territory.
Analysts note that this measure is one of multiple instances of how Denmark's foreign policy and its government administration have had to adjust to the new reality of the Trump's current term.
A source familiar with the ministry stated, “It is fair to say that the situation in Greenland and the time difference between Denmark and the US were quite an important reason prompting this system during the earlier months.”
Rather than all staff having to immediately reach for their phones to stay informed on news from the United States, the foreign office said it had made a coordinated approach to remain informed on the president's actions.
An expert, a ex- chief analyst at the Danish defence intelligence agency, commented that this move demonstrated, “as long understood,” that the idea of the US as Denmark's primary partner was dead. “Partnerships are built on shared principles and a mutual view of threats,” Kaarsbo added. “The president shares neither of those with us and I would argue he doesn't share it with the majority of Europe.”