Denmark Establishes Special Watch Operation to Observe Trump After Arctic Dispute
In a move inspired by TV series watches, the Danish foreign ministry has initiated a night watch unit—not to fend off fantasy foes, but to monitor the US president as Copenhagen sleeps.
This night watch begins at 5 p.m. local time daily and concludes with a summary produced at 7am, which is then circulated throughout the Danish government and relevant agencies detailing statements made and events that occurred.
The role is believed to have been introduced in the wake of the diplomatic row between Denmark and the US over the Arctic island this spring, when the American leader suggested acquiring control of the resource-rich island.
Analysts point out that this measure is one of several examples of how Denmark's foreign policy and its government administration have had to adjust to the changed landscape of the second Trump administration.
An insider familiar with the foreign office remarked, “It's accurate to say that the situation in Greenland and the time zone gap separating Copenhagen and the US were quite an important factor prompting this system in the spring.”
Rather than everybody having to promptly check their phones to catch up on news from the United States, the ministry explained it had made a coordinated approach to stay updated on the president's actions.
Jacob Kaarsbo, a former senior analyst at the Danish defence intelligence agency, stated that this move demonstrated, “as we have always known,” that the notion of the US as Denmark’s largest and most important ally was dead. “Partnerships are built on common values and a mutual view of threats,” Kaarsbo added. “Trump lacks both of those with us and it can be said he lacks it with most Europeans.”