The United States is stepping up intelligence gathering on the Danish island of Greenland amid plans by US President Donald Trump to annex it, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Last week, several high-ranking officials, led by US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, instructed US intelligence agencies to “learn more about the movement for Greenland’s independence.” The intelligence services, which have satellites and communications interception capabilities at their disposal, were also instructed to “identify people in Greenland and Denmark who support US goals on the island.”
This directive was one of the first steps taken by the US administration aimed at implementing President Donald Trump’s plans to establish control over the island. Analysts believe that such actions indicate the seriousness of the American leader’s intentions.
“The president has clearly expressed his concern about the security of Greenland and the Arctic,” White House National Security Council spokesman James Hewitt told the publication, declining to comment on details. Gabbard accused the WSJ of “disclosing classified information,” calling the publication “a security breach.”
Earlier, Donald Trump said he could send American troops to capture Greenland. The politician stressed that he could make this decision under certain circumstances. In turn, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen assured that the US would not seize Greenland.
