Danish PM Reacts To Report About Trump Admin's Increased Intel Gathering On Greenland: 'You Cannot Spy Against An Ally'

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reacted on Friday to reports that the Trump administration has stepped up intelligence gathering on Greenland as the president continues to maintain his intention to annex the territory at the top of the geopolitical agenda.

Speaking to The Associated Press, Mette Frederiksen said the Wall Street Journal report, however, is based on "rumors." The outlet cited two anonymous people familiar with the matter.

Regardless, Frederiksen said "of course, you cannot spy against an ally." "Cooperation about defense and deterrence and security in the northern part of Europe is getting more and more important," she added.

Despite the dismissal of the report's strength, Denmark summoned the highest-ranked American diplomats in the country and called for explanations. It provided no details following the meeting and the U.S. embassy declined to comment.

Greenland's Prime Minister, on his end, told a local outlet that the reports were unacceptable and disrespectful.

The Wall Street Journal's report from this week detailed that high-ranking officials under Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard issued a "collection emphasis message" related to Greenland last week, specifically related to its independence movement and perspective about extraction of island resources by the U.S.

Agencies were also instructed to identify people in Greenland and Denmark who support the Trump administration's goals for the territory. The outlet explained that such orders help intelligence bodies prioritize resource allocation.

National Security Council spokesman James Hewitt said even though the White House doesn't comment on intelligence matters, Trump "has been very clear that the U.S. is concerned about the security of Greenland and the Arctic."

Gabbard, on her end, slammed the publication, saying it "should be ashamed of aiding deep state actors who seek to undermine the President by politicizing and leaking classified information."

The development comes shortly after Trump again declined to rule out military action to annex Greenland, saying "something could happen" in relation to the territory.

The administration has repeatedly expressed its willingness to annex Greenland, with an April report also detailing that officials are considering giving about $10,000 to each resident as part of an annexation plan.

The administration has also reportedly begun analyzing the actual cost of annexing Greenland, with officials are seeking to determine the financial impact of such an outcome, including providing government services for the almost 60,000 residents of the semi-autonomous territory. Greenland residents are soundly opposing the move.