The Danish government Sets Up Nighttime Monitoring Operation to Track Trump Following Arctic Dispute
In a move reminiscent of TV series guards, the Danish foreign ministry has initiated a nighttime monitoring unit—far from guarding against fantasy threats, but to track Donald Trump while Denmark is asleep.
The night watch begins at 5 p.m. in Denmark each day and ends with a report produced at 7am, which is then circulated throughout government departments and relevant agencies covering statements made and developments taking place.
The role is believed to have been established in the wake of the diplomatic row between Copenhagen and the US regarding Greenland this spring, when the American leader threatened taking control of the resource-rich island.
Observers note that this initiative is among multiple examples of how Denmark's foreign policy and its government administration have had to adjust to the changed landscape of the Trump's current term.
A source familiar with the ministry remarked, “It is fair to say that the situation in the region and the time zone gap between Copenhagen and the US were a significant reason prompting this arrangement in the spring.”
Rather than all staff having to immediately reach for their devices to catch up on updates from the US, the foreign office said it had made a collective effort to stay updated on the president's actions.
An expert, a ex- chief analyst at the Danish defence intelligence agency, stated that this move demonstrated, “as long understood,” that the idea of the United States as Denmark’s primary partner was dead. “Alliances are built on common values and a common threat perception,” Kaarsbo added. “Trump lacks both of those with Denmark and it can be said he lacks it with most Europeans.”
