COPENHAGEN — Hundreds of Danish military veterans assembled in a solemn silent demonstration outside the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen on Saturday, expressing profound dismay over the Trump administration’s controversial remarks regarding Greenland and perceived disrespect toward Denmark’s combat contributions to joint international operations.
The gathering, organized by Danish Veterans & Veteran Support, commenced at a memorial dedicated to fallen Danish service members before participants marched silently to the embassy grounds. There, they observed five minutes of symbolic silence—each minute honoring a different branch of Denmark’s defense and security forces: army, air force, navy, emergency management agency, and police.
In an official statement, the veterans’ organization articulated deep disappointment with the current U.S. administration: “Denmark has consistently stood alongside the United States, responding to calls for support in global crisis zones. We now feel both betrayed and mocked by a White House that deliberately overlooks Denmark’s combat partnership with American forces.”
The statement further emphasized the emotional impact: “No words can adequately convey our pain at seeing Denmark’s sacrifices in the struggle for democracy, peace, and freedom being dismissed in Washington.”
The protest reflects escalating tensions between the two NATO allies, particularly regarding U.S. suggestions about acquiring Greenland and questioning Denmark’s capability to protect Western security interests in the Arctic region. These diplomatic frictions intensified earlier in the week when U.S. Embassy staff removed 44 Danish flags placed to honor each Danish soldier killed in Afghanistan—the highest per capita casualty rate among coalition forces. While the State Department explained the removal as standard protocol following demonstrations, the action further aggravated diplomatic sensitivities.