🔗 Share this article

In a move inspired by TV series watches, the Danish foreign ministry has initiated a nighttime monitoring unit—not guarding against mythical threats, but to monitor the US president while Denmark is asleep.

This night monitoring starts at 5 p.m. local time daily and ends with a report compiled at 7am, which is then distributed throughout government departments and concerned agencies detailing statements made and developments taking place.

The role is understood to have been established in the wake of the diplomatic row involving Denmark and the US regarding the Arctic island this spring, when the American leader suggested acquiring control of the strategic island.

Analysts note that this measure is one of several instances of how Danish diplomacy and its government administration have had to adapt to the new reality of the second Trump administration.

An insider close to the ministry remarked, “It's accurate to say that the situation in the region and the time zone gap between Copenhagen and the United States were a significant factor introducing this system in the earlier months.”

Rather than all staff needing to promptly check their phones to catch up on news from the United States, the foreign office explained it had made a coordinated approach to remain informed on the president's actions.

An expert, a ex- chief analyst at the Danish defence intelligence agency, commented that this development showed, “as long understood,” that the notion of the United States as Denmark's largest and most important ally was no longer valid. “Alliances are built on common values and a common threat perception,” he added. “Trump lacks both of those with Denmark and I would argue he doesn't share it with the majority of Europe.”