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Taking action inspired by fictional guards, the Danish foreign affairs department has initiated a night watch team—far from to fend off fantasy foes, but to track Donald Trump while Copenhagen sleeps.

The night monitoring starts at 5 p.m. in Denmark each day and concludes with a report compiled at 7 a.m., which is then circulated throughout the Danish government and concerned offices detailing what was said and events taking place.

The role is believed to have been introduced in the wake of the diplomatic dispute between Denmark and Washington over Greenland this spring, when the US president threatened acquiring control of the strategic island.

Observers note that this initiative is among several examples of how Denmark's foreign policy and its civil service have had to adapt to the new reality of the second Trump administration.

An insider close to the foreign office remarked, “It is fair to say that the circumstances in the region and the time zone gap between Copenhagen and the United States were a significant factor prompting this system during the earlier months.”

Instead of all staff having to promptly check their phones to stay informed on news from the United States, the ministry said it had undertaken a coordinated approach to stay updated on Trump activities.

An expert, a ex- senior analyst at the defense intelligence service, commented that this move showed, “as long understood,” that the notion of the United States as Denmark's largest and most important ally was no longer valid. “Partnerships are founded on shared principles and a common threat perception,” Kaarsbo added. “Trump lacks both of those with Denmark and I would argue he lacks it with most Europeans.”