Danish Prime Minister states ‘spying on an ally is not acceptable’ after allegations of US surveillance in Greenland.

The Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, emphasized the importance of not spying on allies in response to the U.S. reportedly gathering intelligence on Greenland. This comes amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s expressed interest in purchasing the Arctic island.

Frederiksen highlighted the increasing significance of cooperation on defense, deterrence, and security in northern Europe. She firmly stated, “Of course, you cannot spy against an ally.”

Denmark and Greenland have firmly rejected Trump’s attempts to buy the autonomous Danish territory, reiterating that it is not for sale. Despite Denmark’s NATO membership, Trump has hinted at the possibility of using military force to acquire Greenland.

Officials under the U.S. director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, directed intelligence agency heads to collect information on Greenland’s independence movement and views about U.S. resource extraction. (Getty Images)

Gabbard’s office released a statement saying she had made three “criminal” referrals to the U.S. Justice Department over intelligence community leaks in response to the report from The Wall Street Journal, which cited two sources familiar with the matter.

“The Wall Street Journal should be ashamed of aiding deep state actors who seek to undermine the President by politicizing and leaking classified information,” Gabbard said. “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.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.