The Danish government Sets Up Nighttime Watch Operation to Track President Trump Following Arctic Row
Taking action reminiscent of fictional guards, the Danish foreign affairs department has created a night watch team—far from guarding against mythical threats, but to monitor the US president as Denmark is asleep.
This night monitoring begins at 5 p.m. local time daily and ends with a summary produced at 7am, which is then distributed across government departments and relevant offices covering statements made and events taking place.
This position is believed to have been established in the wake of the diplomatic dispute involving Copenhagen and the US over the Arctic island this spring, when the American leader suggested taking control of the resource-rich territory.
Analysts note that this measure is one of several examples of how Danish diplomacy and its government administration have had to adjust to the changed landscape of the Trump's current term.
An insider close to the foreign office remarked, “It is fair to say that the situation in the region and the time zone gap separating Denmark and the US were quite an important reason introducing this arrangement during the earlier months.”
Instead of everybody needing to promptly check their phones to stay informed on news from the United States, the ministry explained it had undertaken a coordinated approach to remain informed on the president's actions.
An expert, a former chief analyst at the defense intelligence service, stated that this move demonstrated, “as long understood,” that the idea of the United States as Denmark's primary partner was no longer valid. “Alliances are built on shared principles and a common threat perception,” Kaarsbo added. “Trump lacks both of those with Denmark and I would argue he lacks it with most Europeans.”