🔗 Share this article

Taking action inspired by TV series watches, Denmark's foreign affairs department has created a nighttime monitoring unit—not guarding against fantasy foes, but to track Donald Trump as Copenhagen sleeps.

This night watch begins at 5pm local time daily and ends with a report compiled at 7 a.m., which is then distributed across the Danish government and relevant offices detailing statements made and developments taking place.

This position is understood to have been established in the wake of the diplomatic dispute between Copenhagen and Washington regarding the Arctic island this spring, when the US president threatened acquiring control of the strategic island.

Analysts point out that this measure is one of multiple examples of how Denmark's foreign policy and its civil service have had to adjust to the changed landscape of the second Trump administration.

A source familiar with the ministry stated, “It is fair to say that the situation in the region and the time difference between Denmark and the US was a significant reason introducing this arrangement in the spring.”

Rather than all staff needing to immediately reach for their devices 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.

Jacob Kaarsbo, a former chief analyst at the Danish defence intelligence agency, stated that this move demonstrated, “as long understood,” that the idea of the United States as Denmark's primary ally was no longer valid. “Partnerships are built on shared principles and a mutual view of threats,” Kaarsbo added. “Trump shares neither of those with us and I would argue he lacks it with most Europeans.”