Denmark’s PM says ‘you can’t spy against an ally’ after claims of US gathering intelligence on Greenland

Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has said you “cannot spy against an ally” after reports of US gathering intelligence on Greenland.

The comments are the latest in the dispute over Donald Trump’s ongoing efforts to push for US control over Greenland, which is a semi-autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark.

They come after reports in US media that Washington’s spy agencies have been told to focus on Greenland, including on the island’s independence movement, and sentiment around US extraction of its mineral resources.

On Thursday, Denmark’s foreign minister summoned the US ambassador to address the reports in The Wall Street Journal.

Ms Frederiksen referred to the report as “rumours”, while Tulsi Gabbard, the US director of national intelligence, said in a statement she had made three “criminal” referrals to the US justice department over intelligence community leaks.

Ms Gabbard’s office said The Wall Street Journal “should be ashamed of aiding deep state actors who seek to undermine the President by politicising and leaking classified information.

“They are breaking the law and undermining our nation’s security and democracy. Those who leak classified information will be found and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

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