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In a move inspired by fictional watches, Denmark's foreign affairs department has initiated a night watch unit—far from to fend off mythical foes, but to track Donald Trump while Denmark sleeps.

The night watch begins at 5 p.m. local time each day and ends with a summary produced at 7 a.m., which is then distributed throughout the Danish government and concerned offices covering statements made and developments that occurred.

The role is believed to have been introduced following the diplomatic dispute involving Copenhagen and the US over Greenland earlier this year, when the US president suggested taking control of the strategic island.

Analysts point out that this measure is one of several examples of how Denmark's foreign policy and its government administration have had to adjust to the changed landscape of the second Trump administration.

An insider close to the ministry stated, “It is fair to say that the circumstances in the region and the time zone gap between Denmark and the US was quite an important factor introducing this system in the earlier months.”

Rather than all staff having to promptly reach for their phones to catch up on updates from the US, the ministry explained it had undertaken a coordinated approach to remain informed on the president's activities.

Jacob Kaarsbo, a ex- senior analyst at the Danish defence intelligence agency, commented that this move showed, “as we have always known,” that the notion of the United States as Denmark's largest and most important ally was dead. “Alliances are built on common values and a common threat perception,” he added. “Trump lacks both of those with us and it can be said he doesn't share it with most Europeans.”