Danish Veterans Protest Trump’s NATO Comments and Greenland Proposal at U.S. Embassy
COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Hundreds of Danish military veterans and supporters gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen on Saturday to protest President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about NATO and his controversial demand that the United States acquire Greenland from Denmark. The demonstration was fueled by deep frustration among veterans who served alongside American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, many of whom felt betrayed by the president’s comments and proposals.
President Trump’s assertion at the World Economic Forum in Davos that NATO forces “stayed a little back” during joint operations in Iraq and Afghanistan struck a nerve with Danish veterans who recall fighting shoulder to shoulder with their American and British counterparts. Denmark suffered the highest per capita NATO death toll in Afghanistan, with 44 soldiers killed, alongside eight more who died in Iraq, a significant sacrifice for a country with a population of just over six million as of 2025.
Carsten Rasmussen, president of the Danish Veterans Association, told reporters that many veterans feel their service and sacrifices have been dismissed. “They have a feeling that they’ve been betrayed,” Rasmussen said. “They deployed. They fought with the Americans. They fought with the Brits. They fought together. They bled together. And as you have heard here in front of the American embassy today, 52 of them never returned.”
During the protest, demonstrators laid 52 flags on the ground to honor the fallen soldiers, underscoring the deep emotional impact of the president’s remarks. The veterans’ protest also expressed strong opposition to Trump’s push for the U.S. to acquire Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory. The proposal has been widely criticized by European leaders and experts, who warn it could destabilize transatlantic relations and undermine NATO cohesion.
Greenland’s strategic importance has increased in recent years due to its location in the Arctic and its natural resources. However, many Danes view the U.S. demand as an affront to their sovereignty. The former U.S. ambassador to Denmark, Carla Sands, has defended the Trump administration’s interest in Greenland as a necessary step to secure the territory, citing concerns about security and geopolitical competition in the Arctic region.
The protest in Copenhagen reflects broader tensions in the NATO alliance, where some member states have expressed concern over the U.S. administration’s approach to collective defense commitments. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization remains a cornerstone of European and transatlantic security, but recent rhetoric and policy proposals have raised questions about the unity and future direction of the alliance.
Denmark’s military contributions to NATO missions in Iraq and Afghanistan have been significant, with Danish forces often operating in challenging environments alongside U.S. and allied troops. The sacrifices made by Danish soldiers have been recognized by NATO and the Danish government alike, and the veterans’ protest highlights the personal and national cost of these deployments.
The U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen has not issued an official statement regarding the protest. However, the event underscores the sensitivity of diplomatic relations amid contentious policy debates. The U.S. Department of State continues to engage with allies to address concerns about NATO’s future and the strategic importance of Greenland.
As the debate over NATO’s role and Arctic geopolitics continues, the voices of veterans who fought alongside American forces serve as a poignant reminder of the human dimension behind international alliances and policy decisions. The protest in Copenhagen is a testament to the enduring bonds forged in combat and the expectations of respect and solidarity that veterans hold dear.
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