The Danish government Sets Up Special Monitoring Operation to Observe Trump After Arctic Row
Taking action inspired by TV series guards, Denmark's foreign affairs department has initiated a night watch team—not to fend off mythical threats, but to monitor the US president as Copenhagen is asleep.
The night watch begins at 5pm in Denmark each day and concludes with a summary produced at 7am, which is then circulated across the Danish government and concerned offices covering what was said and developments that occurred.
The role is understood to have been established following the bilateral row involving Copenhagen and Washington over the Arctic island earlier this year, when the American leader threatened acquiring control of the strategic territory.
Observers note that this initiative is one of several examples of how Danish diplomacy and its government administration have had to adjust to the changed landscape of the Trump's current term.
An insider familiar with the foreign office stated, “It is fair to say that the situation in Greenland and the time difference separating Copenhagen and the United States were quite an important factor prompting this arrangement during the spring.”
Rather than all staff having to promptly reach for their devices to stay informed on updates from the United States, the foreign office said it had undertaken a collective effort to stay updated on the president's actions.
An expert, a former chief analyst at the defense intelligence service, commented that this move showed, “as long understood,” that the notion of the US as Denmark’s primary ally was no longer valid. “Partnerships are founded on shared principles and a common threat perception,” Kaarsbo added. “Trump lacks both of those with us and I would argue he doesn't share it with most Europeans.”
