Danish Troops Feel Betrayed by Trump’s Greenland Threats and NATO Criticism
Danish veterans are expressing feelings of betrayal following threats made by the Trump administration regarding Greenland. One notable veteran, Gerth Sloth Berthelsen, who has a strong connection to Greenland, voiced his dissatisfaction with the perceived hostility from the United States. Having served with American forces during a peacekeeping mission in North Macedonia during the late 1990s, Berthelsen now works in the Danish army in a non-combat role.
His sentiments reflect a broader unease in both Greenland and Denmark after President Trump hinted at wanting to “acquire” the autonomous territory. Just hours after making these bold claims, Trump retracted his threats, mentioning a framework for future discussions regarding Greenland after meeting with NATO Chief Mark Rutte.
Impact on NATO Relations
The reaction from European allies was mixed. While some welcomed the announcement, others cautioned that the damage to EU-US relations remained significant. Tensions have increased in both Nuuk and Copenhagen as communities grapple with the implications of the U.S.’s actions.
- Trump’s threats began shortly before a meeting with NATO Chief Mark Rutte.
- Trump referred to “right, title, and ownership” over Greenland.
- Greenlanders and Danes are alarmed by the hostile tone directed at allies.
Military Contributions of Denmark
Denmark has a storied alliance with the United States. Danish soldiers have participated in numerous international missions, including NATO operations. The Kingdom of Denmark, with a population of around 6 million, has seen considerable military engagement in Afghanistan and Iraq since the early 2000s.
- Denmark deployed nearly 20,000 troops to Afghanistan as part of ISAF.
- 41 Danish soldiers lost their lives in Afghanistan, a high per capita rate.
- Denmark also suffered casualties in the Iraq War, with eight soldiers killed.
Veterans’ Emotional Response
Berthelsen, alongside fellow veteran Mads Rasmussen, co-chairs an organization called Veteranprojekt Grønland, dedicated to supporting veterans. They emphasize the importance of acknowledging the service and respect due to veterans from both Denmark and Greenland.
Another veteran, Salik Augustinussen, recently wrote an open letter to the American public, highlighting the historical partnership between Denmark and the U.S. He criticized the implications of Trump’s threats, equating them to a potential attack on those who stood with U.S. forces during critical times.
The Future of Greenland and NATO Relations
As the threat of U.S. military action over Greenland subsided, details of the proposed framework for Greenland remain unclear. Trump and Rutte discussed updating a 1951 agreement governing U.S. military presence without final documentation outlining the deal.
- Further discussions are planned to address military roles in Greenland.
- A framework is proposed to exclude investments from Russia and China.
- There are considerations for expanding U.S. military bases in Greenland.
The situation demonstrates the fragile nature of international relations and the sentiments of those who have served alongside American troops. The fallout from Trump’s comments continues to resonate within Denmark and Greenland, highlighting an ongoing need for dialogue and respect among allies.
