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In a move inspired by fictional watches, the Danish foreign affairs department has initiated a night watch team—far from to fend off fantasy foes, but to monitor the US president while Copenhagen is asleep.

This night watch starts at 5 p.m. in Denmark daily and concludes with a summary compiled at 7 a.m., which is then circulated throughout the Danish government and relevant offices covering what was said and events taking place.

This position is believed to have been established in the wake of the diplomatic dispute between Copenhagen and Washington regarding the Arctic island earlier this year, when the American leader suggested taking control of the strategic territory.

Observers point out that this measure is among multiple examples of how Denmark's foreign policy and its civil service have had to adjust to the new reality of the second Trump administration.

A source close to the foreign office stated, “It is fair to say that the situation in Greenland and the time difference between Copenhagen and the US was a significant reason prompting this arrangement in the earlier months.”

Instead of all staff having to promptly reach for their devices to catch up on news from the US, the foreign office said it had made a collective effort to remain informed on the president's activities.

An expert, a former senior analyst at the Danish defence intelligence agency, commented that this development demonstrated, “as long understood,” that the idea of the United States as Denmark’s largest and most important ally was no longer valid. “Partnerships are built on shared principles and a mutual view of threats,” he said. “The president lacks both of those with us and it can be said he lacks it with most Europeans.”