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In a move inspired by fictional watches, the Danish foreign affairs department has initiated a night watch team—far from guarding against mythical threats, but to track Donald Trump while Denmark sleeps.

This night monitoring begins at 5 p.m. in Denmark daily and ends with a report compiled at 7am, which is then distributed throughout government departments and relevant agencies detailing statements made and developments that occurred.

This position is believed to have been established following the bilateral dispute between Copenhagen and Washington over the Arctic island this spring, when the US president suggested taking control of the resource-rich territory.

Analysts point out that this measure is one of multiple examples of how Danish diplomacy and its civil service have had to adapt to the changed landscape of the Trump's current term.

An insider close to the ministry remarked, “It is fair to say that the situation in the region and the time zone gap separating Copenhagen and the US were a significant factor prompting this arrangement during the earlier months.”

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

An expert, a ex- senior analyst at the Danish defence intelligence agency, commented that this development showed, “as we have always known,” that the notion of the United States as Denmark's primary ally was dead. “Partnerships are built on shared principles and a common threat perception,” he added. “Trump shares neither of those with Denmark and it can be said he doesn't share it with the majority of Europe.”