In a move inspired by fictional guards, Denmark's foreign affairs department has initiated a nighttime monitoring unit—far from guarding against mythical foes, but to track Donald Trump as Copenhagen sleeps.
This night monitoring starts at 5 p.m. in Denmark each day and ends with a report produced at 7 a.m., which is then circulated across the Danish government and relevant offices detailing statements made and events taking place.
This position is understood to have been introduced following the bilateral row between Copenhagen and Washington over Greenland this spring, when the US president suggested acquiring control of the strategic territory.
Analysts point out that this measure is one of several instances of how Danish diplomacy and its government administration have had to adapt to the changed landscape of the second Trump administration.
An insider close to the ministry remarked, “It is fair to say that the circumstances in the region and the time difference separating Denmark and the United States was a significant factor prompting this system during the spring.”
Rather than all staff having to immediately reach for their devices to stay informed on updates from the United States, the ministry explained it had undertaken a collective effort to stay updated on the president's actions.
An expert, a ex- chief analyst at the defense intelligence service, commented that this development showed, “as we have always known,” that the notion of the US as Denmark’s primary ally was no longer valid. “Partnerships are built on shared principles and a common threat perception,” Kaarsbo added. “Trump lacks both of those with Denmark and it can be said he lacks it with the majority of Europe.”