Denmark has taken an unusual and eye-catching step in its foreign ministry. Officials have created what they call a “night watch” — not to defend against fantasy creatures like in Game of Thrones, but to closely track former U.S. President Donald Trump’s statements, actions, and overnight activity.
Why Denmark Created a Special Night Watch Team
This special team begins work at 5pm local Danish time every day. While most of the country sleeps, the night watch monitors everything Trump says or does that could affect Denmark or its interests. By 7am each morning, the team produces a full report and sends it across the Danish government, including ministries that handle defense, diplomacy, and security.
This system was created after a tense and widely discussed diplomatic clash earlier in the year. In the spring, Trump shocked Denmark by suggesting he wanted the United States to take control of Greenland, an autonomous region within the Kingdom of Denmark. His comments upset Danish leaders and led to a major disagreement between Copenhagen and Washington. According to the Danish newspaper Politiken, the night watch was introduced soon after this dispute.
A source close to Denmark’s foreign office explained that the time difference between Denmark and the United States played a big role. Many important political events in the U.S. happen late at night for Europe. Rather than forcing every Danish official to stay awake and constantly check their phones, the government decided to create a single dedicated team that would keep everyone informed. Officials say the new system is a “collective effort” to stay updated on key U.S. developments during nighttime hours.
How the Greenland Disagreement Sparked This Change
The disagreement that led to the creation of the night watch began when Trump expressed interest in taking over Greenland. The idea was not new — the U.S. had once considered buying the island many decades ago — but Trump’s comments took Denmark by surprise. The remarks created a serious diplomatic issue, especially since Greenland governs itself and is not for sale. Danish leaders were firm in saying the island’s status would not change, which angered Trump at the time.
This situation showed Danish officials how suddenly political tensions could rise. It also highlighted how quickly U.S. statements, especially from a president known for posting unexpected comments on social media or making unusual public remarks, could become serious foreign policy matters. Because these comments often happened during nighttime in Denmark, officials felt unprepared and slow to respond.
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The night watch team now fills that gap. Their job is simple but important: watch U.S. political news, analyze any mention of Denmark or Greenland, and inform the government before the workday begins. This helps Danish leaders avoid surprises and react calmly and in an organized way.
Politiken reported that this move is only one of several new measures Denmark has taken since Trump’s return to office. Danish diplomats and civil servants have had to adjust to what they describe as a “new reality” — one where communication with the U.S. is less predictable and requires faster monitoring.
What Danish Experts Are Saying About the Shift
Former intelligence analyst Jacob Kaarsbo said Denmark’s new system signals a bigger shift, suggesting the country no longer sees the United States as its most reliable ally. He noted that alliances depend on shared values and shared views of threats, but in his view Trump does not share these with Denmark or much of Europe. This, he said, creates difficulties for Denmark’s security planning, which has long depended on close cooperation with the US.
The foreign office source also pointed out that the night watch helps reduce stress among Danish officials. Before this system existed, government staff would often wake up to major U.S. news and scramble to understand what happened overnight. Now, one organized report brings together everything that matters, making it easier to stay informed.
The night watch does not limit itself to dramatic political statements. It also tracks policy announcements, unexpected comments, and social media posts. The goal is to ensure that nothing that could affect Denmark slips by unnoticed.
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Politiken’s report describes this as part of Denmark’s broader adjustment during Trump’s second term, noting that the country’s ministries have had to update their processes, communication lines, and early-warning systems. Some diplomats say privately that they have never had to create such a monitoring system for any foreign leader before.
While the Danish government has not officially criticized Trump in connection with the night watch, the creation of the system makes clear how seriously Denmark now takes the need for real-time information. It is a sign of caution, preparation, and awareness — especially for a small nation that shares close ties with allies across the Atlantic.