Denmark's Intelligence Service Identifies U.S. as a Security Risk

In a significant development, Denmark's military intelligence service, the Danish Defence Intelligence Service (DDIS), has for the first time labeled the United States as a security risk in its annual threat assessment report. Released on December 10, 2025, the report highlights concerns over shifts in U.S. policy under President Donald Trump, particularly regarding economic coercion and military assertiveness. The DDIS report indicates that the U.S. is increasingly using its economic power, including threats of high tariffs, to enforce its will, raising alarms about its role as a guarantor of security in Europe.

New York Times

The DDIS report outlines several critical points regarding U.S. actions that have generated uncertainty for Denmark's security. It notes that the U.S. has intensified its focus on competition with China and Russia, particularly in the Arctic region, which is of strategic importance to Denmark due to its historical ties to Greenland. The report states, “The strategic importance of the Arctic is rising as the conflict between Russia and the West intensifies,” and warns that this competition could lead to increased espionage and influence operations targeting Denmark.

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Additionally, the report reflects concerns about the U.S. administration's approach to NATO, suggesting that Trump's policies favor bilateral agreements over multilateral alliances, potentially undermining collective security arrangements. The DDIS warns that this shift could embolden regional powers like Russia and China, allowing them to exploit the uncertainty surrounding U.S. commitments.

Associated Press

Thomas Ahrenkiel, head of the DDIS, acknowledged the U.S. remains Denmark's closest ally but emphasized the need for Denmark to adapt to the changing security landscape. He stated, “The United States has been and continues to be the guarantor of Europe’s security,” while also recognizing the growing challenges posed by U.S. policy shifts. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen has expressed concerns about foreign influence in Greenland, particularly in light of Trump's ambitions regarding the territory.

Daily Mail

Critics of the Trump administration's foreign policy have voiced concerns about the implications of its approach for European security. The DDIS report echoes sentiments shared by various European leaders who have expressed unease over the U.S.'s unilateral actions and the potential for increased tensions with Russia. The report's findings have sparked discussions in Denmark about the necessity of strengthening European defense capabilities in response to perceived threats.

New York Times

While the DDIS report outlines a clear shift in the perception of the U.S. as a security risk, there is no indication of an imminent military threat to Denmark. However, the report does highlight a growing sense of insecurity among the Danish public, particularly regarding the potential for conflict in the Arctic and the implications of U.S. policy for NATO's collective defense posture.

Newsweek

• “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.” — Danish Defence Intelligence Service Report

Newsweek

• “The region's strategic importance is growing as the conflict between Russia and the West intensifies.” — Danish Defence Intelligence Service Report

Newsweek

• “Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen declared that : 'We are aware that foreign actors continue to show an interest in Greenland and its position in the Kingdom of Denmark.” — Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Danish Foreign Minister

Daily Mail

The DDIS report marks a pivotal moment in Denmark's assessment of its relationship with the United States, reflecting broader concerns about the implications of U.S. foreign policy for European security in an increasingly multipolar world.

Newsweek