Denmark Establishes Nighttime Monitoring System to Track President Trump After Arctic Row

In a move reminiscent of fictional watches, the Danish foreign ministry has initiated a night watch team—far from guarding against fantasy threats, but to monitor the US president as Denmark sleeps.

The night monitoring begins at 5pm in Denmark each day and concludes with a summary produced at 7am, which is then distributed throughout the Danish government and concerned agencies covering statements made and events taking place.

This position is understood to have been established following the diplomatic row between Copenhagen and Washington over Greenland this spring, when the American leader suggested acquiring control of the resource-rich island.

Analysts point out that this measure is among multiple instances of how Danish diplomacy and its civil service have had to adapt to the new reality of the Trump's current term.

A source close to the ministry stated, “It's accurate to say that the circumstances in the region and the time zone gap between Denmark and the US was quite an important factor prompting this arrangement during the spring.”

Instead of everybody having to promptly check their phones to catch up on news from the United States, the foreign office said it had undertaken a coordinated approach to remain informed on the president's actions.

Jacob Kaarsbo, a ex- senior analyst at the Danish defence intelligence agency, stated that this move showed, “as long understood,” that the idea of the United States as Denmark's largest and most important ally was dead. “Partnerships are built on common values and a mutual view of threats,” Kaarsbo said. “The president lacks both of those with us and it can be said he doesn't share it with the majority of Europe.”

Julie Murphy
Julie Murphy

A passionate football journalist with over a decade of experience covering Serie A and local Verona teams.