COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Recent developments have reignited discussions around the United States’ interest in acquiring Greenland, particularly in light of allegations regarding covert operations by associates of former President Donald Trump aimed at influencing the territory’s political landscape.

Danish media reported that at least three individuals with links to Trump have been involved in efforts described as covert influence operations within Greenland. These activities, which include gathering intelligence on local political figures and community sentiments, have raised alarms in Copenhagen, prompting the Danish government to summon the U.S. ambassador for discussions.

According to sources cited in Danish national broadcaster DR, these individuals are allegedly compiling lists of Greenlanders sympathetic to U.S. interests and are also seeking to identify opponents of Trump. Their actions have been interpreted as attempts to foster division within Greenlandic society, potentially undermining Denmark’s longstanding ties to the territory.

In response to these reports, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen acknowledged the heightened foreign interest in Greenland, emphasizing that any interference in the island’s affairs is unacceptable. He affirmed that Denmark remains vigilant about external influences, calling for a meeting with the U.S. chargé d’affaires to address the matter.

As these political tensions simmer, Denmark also made headlines for issuing a public apology to Greenlandic women affected by a historical involuntary birth control campaign, which lasted from the late 1960s until the early 1990s. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen expressed remorse on behalf of the Danish government, recognizing the long-lasting trauma inflicted on the island’s residents. The apology comes as Denmark seeks to heal relations with the people of Greenland, who have voiced grievances about past treatment under Danish rule.

The controversy surrounding the forced sterilization program adds another layer to the complex relationship between Denmark and Greenland, which was granted more autonomy over its healthcare in 1991. The acknowledgment of these past injustices may influence both domestic sentiment in Greenland and international perceptions amid ongoing U.S. interest in the island’s resources.

With Greenland positioned strategically in the Arctic and rich in natural resources, its fate has drawn interest from global powers. Under previous administrations, the U.S. expressed intentions to explore economic opportunities in Greenland, leading to heightened scrutiny over relationships among local leaders and foreign actors.

As these events unfold, the intricate dynamics of Danish-Greenlandic relations and U.S. territorial ambitions remain in the spotlight, compounding historical grievances with modern geopolitics.