The Danish government Sets Up Nighttime Watch Operation to Observe President Trump Following Arctic Row
In a move inspired by fictional watches, Denmark's foreign ministry has initiated a night watch team—not to fend off fantasy foes, but to monitor Donald Trump while Copenhagen is asleep.
The night monitoring begins at 5 p.m. in Denmark daily and concludes with a summary compiled at 7 a.m., which is then circulated throughout government departments and concerned offices detailing what was said and developments taking place.
The role is believed to have been established in the wake of the diplomatic dispute involving Copenhagen and the US regarding Greenland this spring, when the US president threatened acquiring control of the strategic island.
Analysts point out that this initiative is among several instances 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 close to the ministry stated, “It is fair to say that the situation in the region and the time difference between Denmark and the United States were quite an important factor prompting this arrangement during the spring.”
Rather than all staff having to immediately check their phones to stay informed on news from the United States, the foreign office explained it had undertaken a coordinated approach to stay updated on Trump actions.
An expert, a former senior analyst at the defense intelligence service, commented that this move demonstrated, “as long understood,” that the notion of the United States as Denmark’s primary ally was dead. “Alliances are founded on shared principles and a mutual view of threats,” he said. “Trump shares neither of those with Denmark and it can be said he doesn't share it with most Europeans.”
