The Danish government Establishes Nighttime Watch Operation to Observe Trump After Arctic Dispute
In a move inspired by TV series watches, Denmark's foreign affairs department has created a nighttime monitoring unit—far from guarding against mythical foes, but to track the US president as Copenhagen sleeps.
The night monitoring begins at 5 p.m. in Denmark daily and concludes with a summary compiled at 7 a.m., 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 bilateral row between Copenhagen and the US over the Arctic island earlier this year, when the US president threatened acquiring control of the strategic territory.
Analysts note that this measure is one of several instances of how Danish diplomacy and its government administration have had to adjust to the new reality of the second Trump administration.
An insider familiar with the foreign office remarked, “It is fair to say that the circumstances in the region and the time difference between Denmark and the United States was a significant reason prompting this arrangement during the spring.”
Instead of all staff needing to promptly check their devices to stay informed on news from the US, the foreign office explained it had undertaken a coordinated approach to remain informed on Trump actions.
Jacob Kaarsbo, a former chief analyst at the defense intelligence service, commented that this move demonstrated, “as long understood,” that the idea of the United States as Denmark’s primary partner was no longer valid. “Partnerships are founded on common values and a mutual view of threats,” he said. “Trump lacks both of those with Denmark and I would argue he doesn't share it with most Europeans.”