Copenhagen has established a “night watch” within its Foreign Ministry, not to guard against White Walkers, as in Game of Thrones, but to monitor the movements and statements of US President Donald Trump while Denmark sleeps.

The system begins at 5 pm local time each day, producing a report by 7 am summarizing Trump’s pronouncements and activities. These reports are then circulated across the Danish government and relevant departments, the Politiken newspaper reported.

The initiative reportedly stems from the diplomatic fallout over Greenland earlier this year, when Trump threatened to assert US control over the Arctic island, sparking tensions with Copenhagen.

Wider context

According to Politiken, the "night watch" is one of several adaptations by Danish diplomacy and civil service to the realities of the second Trump administration. A source close to the Foreign Ministry told The Guardian, “It is fair to say that the situation in Greenland and the time difference between Denmark and the United States was quite an important factor introducing this arrangement during the spring.”

The arrangement is intended to avoid the need for officials to constantly check their phones for US news. Instead, the Ministry has implemented a “collective effort” to stay updated on Trump’s statements and actions.

Jacob Kaarsbo, a former chief analyst at the Danish Defense Intelligence Agency, said the move highlights a shift in Denmark’s view of its relationship with the US.

“As we have always known, the idea that the US is Denmark’s largest and most important ally is dead. Alliances are built on common values and a common threat perception. Trump shares neither of those with us, and I would argue he doesn’t share them with most Europeans,” he stressed. 

Read more: China stresses adherence to UN Charter after Trump's Greenland remarks