Denmark Identifies U.S. as a Security Threat Amid Geopolitical Tensions

For the first time, Denmark's military intelligence service, the Danish Defense Intelligence Service (DDIS), has identified the United States as a potential security threat in its annual threat assessment. Released on December 10, 2025, the report reflects growing unease regarding U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump, particularly in relation to Denmark's security and its role as a NATO ally. The DDIS report emphasizes that the U.S. is increasingly prioritizing its own interests, utilizing economic power—including threats of high tariffs—to enforce its will, and no longer rules out military force, even against allies.

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The report comes in the wake of Trump's controversial remarks about Greenland, a Danish territory, which he suggested could be acquired by the U.S. This has strained diplomatic relations between Copenhagen and Washington. The DDIS warns that uncertainty regarding the U.S.'s commitment as a security guarantor for Europe could embolden Russia to intensify hybrid attacks against NATO, particularly in the Baltic Sea region. The report also highlights the growing competition among the U.S., China, and Russia in the Arctic, with Greenland's strategic significance becoming a focal point of U.S. interests.

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The DDIS report articulates a significant shift in Denmark's perception of its ally, stating, “The United States uses economic power, including threats of high tariffs, to enforce its will, and no longer rules out the use of military force, even against allies.” This sentiment echoes concerns expressed by European leaders about the implications of Trump's "America First" policy, which has led to calls for European nations to take greater responsibility for their own defense.

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Critics of the Trump administration's approach argue that the U.S. is undermining the transatlantic alliance, with some European officials expressing alarm over the potential for a more transactional relationship. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz remarked that while some aspects of U.S. policy are understandable, the notion of "America alone" is detrimental to global security. Additionally, Danish experts have voiced concerns about Trump's unpredictable behavior regarding Greenland, suggesting that it reflects a broader trend of U.S. disengagement from European security commitments.

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While the DDIS report identifies the U.S. as a potential threat, it also acknowledges that Russia and China remain significant risks. The overall threat landscape facing Denmark has become more serious, with the DDIS noting that the uncertainty surrounding U.S. security guarantees could lead to increased military aggression from Russia. However, the report does not provide specific details on how these dynamics will unfold in the near future.

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The DDIS report is likely to spark a debate within Denmark and among NATO allies about the reliability of U.S. commitments to European security. As tensions continue to rise, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, European nations may need to reassess their defense strategies and alliances. The upcoming meetings between U.S. officials and Danish representatives, including the new U.S. ambassador to Denmark, Kenneth Howery, will be crucial in addressing these concerns and restoring trust in transatlantic relations.

CNN