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In a move inspired by fictional guards, Denmark's foreign affairs department has initiated a nighttime monitoring unit—far from guarding against mythical threats, but to track Donald Trump as Denmark sleeps.

This night watch starts at 5 p.m. local time daily and concludes with a report compiled at 7am, which is then distributed throughout the Danish government and relevant agencies detailing statements made and events taking place.

The role is understood to have been introduced in the wake of the bilateral row between Copenhagen and the US regarding the Arctic island earlier this year, when the US president threatened taking control of the resource-rich island.

Observers note that this measure is among multiple examples of how Danish diplomacy and its civil service have had to adjust to the new reality of the second Trump administration.

An insider close to the foreign office stated, “It is fair to say that the situation in the region and the time difference separating Denmark and the US were a significant reason prompting this arrangement in the spring.”

Instead of all staff having to immediately reach for their phones to stay informed on updates from the United States, the ministry explained it had undertaken a coordinated approach to remain informed on the president's activities.

Jacob Kaarsbo, a former chief analyst at the Danish defence intelligence agency, commented that this move demonstrated, “as long understood,” that the notion of the United States as Denmark's primary ally was no longer valid. “Partnerships are founded on common values and a common threat perception,” he added. “The president lacks both of those with Denmark and I would argue he lacks it with most Europeans.”