UPDATE: Danish veterans are expressing feelings of betrayal and disrespect as tensions soar following US President Donald Trump‘s threats to “acquire” Greenland. Just hours after demanding “right, title, and ownership” of the autonomous Danish territory on Wednesday, Trump did a U-turn, claiming he had “formed the framework of a future deal” after discussions with NATO’s Mark Rutte. This abrupt shift has left veterans and communities in both Greenland and Denmark grappling with feelings of unease and fear.
Veteran Gerth Sloth Berthelsen, who served alongside US forces in a peacekeeping mission in North Macedonia, stated, “It’s very disrespectful.” His sentiment reflects a broader shock among those who once fought alongside American soldiers, now facing hostility from their former allies. The Danish military has a significant history of collaboration with the US, participating in numerous NATO missions and conflicts, including the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, where Denmark suffered heavy casualties.
Reports indicate that the mood remains tense in both Nuuk and Copenhagen, as feelings of betrayal spread among the veterans. Berthelsen, who works in a non-combat role for the Danish army, noted that many veterans feel “a bit backstabbed” by Trump’s rhetoric and actions. He, along with fellow veteran Mads Rasmussen, co-chairs the organization Veteranprojekt Grønland, which supports veterans through social initiatives.
In a poignant open letter, Greenlandic soldier Salik Augustinussen addressed the American public, emphasizing the sacrifices made by Danish and Greenlandic soldiers after the September 11 attacks. “If the US president decides to let the military invade Greenland, you are attacking me and my family,” he stated, highlighting the personal stakes involved in international politics.
Following Trump’s threats, an emergency summit of EU leaders was convened on Thursday. Swedish Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch remarked, “We’re not out of the woods,” signaling that the fallout from Trump’s comments could have lasting implications for EU-US relations. Although Trump backed off from military threats, his statements have already ignited outrage among European allies, particularly after he claimed NATO troops had not been sufficiently engaged in Afghanistan.
The details surrounding the proposed framework deal between the US and Denmark remain vague. Sources indicate that discussions included updating a 1951 agreement governing US military presence in Greenland, but no formal document has been produced yet. A NATO official revealed that one proposal involves the US expanding its military bases in Greenland, a significant shift in military strategy.
While the US currently maintains the Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland, the potential for increased military presence could exacerbate tensions, particularly with Russia and China, who would be barred from investments in Greenland under the new framework.
As communities in Greenland and Denmark navigate this new reality, the emotional impact of Trump’s actions is palpable. The sentiment among veterans is clear: they expect respect for their service and a more stable relationship with their ally. The unfolding situation raises urgent questions about the future of US-Danish relations and the implications for NATO solidarity.
As developments continue, the veteran community and Danish citizens are left wondering how this diplomatic crisis will evolve and what it means for their security and international standing. The world is watching closely as these events unfold.
