Context:

Denmark's foreign minister plans to summon the US ambassador to address concerns over a report suggesting that US spy agencies have been focusing on Greenland amid President Trump's interest in acquiring the island. The report indicates that US intelligence was directed to monitor Greenland's independence movement and potential mineral resources, sparking discomfort among Danish officials who emphasize that 'we do not spy on friends.' Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard criticized the report, accusing it of undermining national security while not denying its claims. President Trump has expressed intentions to acquire Greenland, even suggesting the use of military force, which has been met with criticism from both Danish officials and former US President Joe Biden. Greenland, while governed domestically, remains under Danish control for foreign and defense matters, and its population largely supports independence from Denmark without becoming part of the US.

Dive Deeper:

• Denmark's foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen is troubled by reports that US intelligence has been instructed to focus on Greenland due to President Trump's interest in the island, prompting plans to summon the US ambassador for clarification.

• US intelligence efforts reportedly target Greenland's independence movement and mineral resources, raising concerns about espionage among Danish officials, who emphasize non-spying policies among allies.

• Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard accused the Wall Street Journal of undermining President Trump by leaking classified information but did not categorically deny the report's claims.

• President Trump has openly discussed acquiring Greenland, including the potential use of military force, sparking backlash from Danish leaders and condemnation from former President Joe Biden, who criticized such territorial ambitions.

• Greenland, the largest island globally, is self-governing in domestic affairs but under Danish oversight for foreign and defense policies, maintaining a strong desire for independence from Denmark while opposing US incorporation.

• Denmark views US Vice-President JD Vance's visit to a remote US military base in Greenland as undue pressure on the island's political landscape, reflecting broader tensions over US interest in the region.

• Despite historical US military presence and interest in Greenland's rare earth minerals, polls suggest that Greenlanders favor independence over becoming part of the United States, reinforcing their national identity.