After all, this move comes after the high-profile recent diplomatic spat between Denmark and the US over Greenland. They created a “night watch” in their foreign ministry. This project will provide watchful eyes and ears to track the actions, policies and rhetoric of the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump. The night watch begins its patrol each day at 5 PM local time. Meanwhile, as Copenhagen sleeps, they provide Danish officials with real-time briefings on all big new developments regarding Trump.
At 7 AM the following morning, the night watch compiles a report. Then they push it out through the Danish central government and into important ministerial departments. This report details Trump’s public remarks and activities from the previous day, reflecting the Danish government’s commitment to staying updated on his actions. The idea for the initiative came out of a diplomatic spat this past spring. It started when Trump expressed a desire for the U.S. to buy Greenland, leading to increased friction between Denmark and the U.S.
As Jacob Kaarsbo, former chief analyst at the Danish defence intelligence agency, pointed out, these are exactly the kind of measures that we need to see. main principles — the need to forge coalitions based on common values. This sentiment really rings true in our current geopolitical climate where a shared understanding of threats is imperative.
“Alliances are built on common values and a common threat perception.” – Jacob Kaarsbo
The night watch represents an unexpected and perhaps third adaptation in Danish diplomacy. It speaks directly to the increasing transactional nature of the U.S. relationship under Trump’s administration. Kaarsbo noted that the long-standing perception of the U.S. being Denmark’s largest and most important ally has shifted. He said that this concept is outdated.
As Denmark braces for any potential implications from Trump’s forthcoming statements or actions, the government has committed to a “collective effort” in monitoring his movements. This forward-looking move is indicative of changing trends in diplomacy and security abroad as well an example of how Denmark is reacting strategically to developing threats.