WASHINGTON — The Danish government summoned the acting US ambassador to Copenhagen, chargé d’affaires Mark Stroh, Wednesday to protest the actions in Greenland of three allies of President Trump, who advocates annexation of the territory.
“We are aware that foreign actors continue to show an interest in Greenland and its position in the Kingdom of Denmark,” the Danish Foreign Ministry said.
The three Americans were not named by public broadcaster DR, which broke the news.
Mark Stroh — arriving at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Copenhagen on Wednesday — was summoned to protest the actions of President Trump’s allies in Greenland. AP
President Trump has insisted on the US’ annexation of Greenland — and his allies allegedly have been pushing the idea on the ground. APThey allegedly have been attempting to weaken the island’s links to mainland Denmark.
“Chargé d’Affaires Mark Stroh met with the Danish MFA today at their request. They had a productive conversation and reaffirmed the strong ties among the Government of Greenland, the United States, and Denmark,” the State Department said in a statement.
“The U.S. Government does not control or direct the actions of private citizens. The President, the Vice President, and the Secretary of State have all been clear: the United States respects the right of the people of Greenland to determine their own future.”
Trump has brazenly insisted that he will annex Greenland — though administration officials more quietly outline a plan for the world’s largest island to become independent and then enter into a compact of free association with the US, giving Washington a role in certain areas such as defense.
The US embassy in Copenhagen and the White House did not immediately respond to The Post’s requests for comment.
The American consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, referred questions to Washington.
Danish leaders have irked Trump by refusing to part with Greenland and its nearly 57,000 residents, who are mostly Inuit.
The president canceled a state visit to Denmark in 2019 when Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was allegedly “nasty’ in bluntly rejecting the idea.
Greenland’s residents protest against US interference in Greenland on March 29. Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Images
Danish PM Mette Frederiksen rejected Trump’s idea in 2019. Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty ImagesUS spy agencies reportedly were directed in early May to focus on learning more about Greenland’s independence movement and attitudes toward a greater US role there.
National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard vowed to catch the leakers responsible for that report, implicitly confirming it.
Vice President JD Vance visited Greenland in March and attacked Denmark’s leaders for under-investing in the local economy — and promising that American ownership would benefit residents.
“Our message to Denmark is very simple: you have not done a good job by the people of Greenland,” Vance said.
“You have under-invested in the people of Greenland, and you have under-invested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass filled with incredible people.”
