Denmark Establishes Nighttime Watch System to Observe President Trump Following Greenland Row
In a move reminiscent of fictional guards, Denmark's foreign ministry has initiated a nighttime monitoring unit—far from to fend off mythical foes, but to monitor Donald Trump as Denmark sleeps.
The night monitoring begins at 5 p.m. local time each day and concludes with a report produced at 7am, which is then distributed across the Danish government and concerned agencies covering what was said and events that occurred.
The role is believed to have been established following the bilateral row involving Copenhagen and Washington regarding the Arctic island earlier this year, when the US president threatened acquiring control of the strategic island.
Observers note that this initiative is one of multiple instances of how Denmark's foreign policy and its civil service have had to adjust to the new reality of the Trump's current term.
An insider close to the foreign office stated, “It's accurate to say that the circumstances in Greenland and the time zone gap separating Denmark and the US were a significant reason introducing this system during the spring.”
Instead of all staff needing to promptly check their phones to stay informed on news from the US, the foreign office said it had undertaken a coordinated approach to remain informed on Trump actions.
An expert, a former chief analyst at the Danish defence intelligence agency, stated that this development showed, “as long understood,” that the idea of the US as Denmark's largest and most important partner was no longer valid. “Alliances are built on common values and a common threat perception,” Kaarsbo added. “Trump shares neither of those with Denmark and I would argue he lacks it with most Europeans.”
