Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen today strongly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump's recent comments questioning the contributions of NATO allies in Afghanistan, calling them "unacceptable."
In a statement posted on Instagram, Frederiksen expressed her solidarity with Danish veterans and their families, emphasizing the profound impact of Trump's words on those who served.
The controversy stems from an interview Trump gave to Fox News, where he claimed that the United States "had never needed its allies" and alleged that NATO soldiers "stayed a little back, a little off the front lines" during operations in Afghanistan.
Trump further escalated his rhetoric on Truth Social earlier this month, stating, “I DOUBT NATO WOULD BE THERE FOR US IF WE REALLY NEEDED THEM,” while affirming U.S. commitment to the alliance.
Frederiksen highlighted Denmark's longstanding commitment to NATO-led missions, noting that Danish forces have been involved in Afghanistan since 2002, deploying thousands of troops primarily in Helmand province. Tragically, at least 41 Danish soldiers lost their lives in the conflict, underscoring the sacrifices made by allied nations alongside U.S. forces.
"It is unacceptable that the American president doubts the efforts of allied soldiers in Afghanistan," Frederiksen stated, adding that her thoughts are with the veterans, their relatives, and those who mourn lost loved ones. She also acknowledged the deep hurt felt by Danish veterans due to these remarks.
Reactions from Danish veterans have been swift and emotional. Michael Willadsen, a former police chief who served twice in Afghanistan, including in Helmand where no U.S. troops were present, described the comments as painful: “I have been on the front lines in Helmand province, where there were no Americans.”
“It hurts that he says we were not needed, because I definitely think we were.” Willadsen, who was diagnosed with PTSD in 2014, reflected on the personal costs, including the impact on his family.
Rene Lenskjold, a veterans’ coordinator in Esbjerg, echoed these sentiments, noting that many former soldiers feel undermined: “As a soldier, you may have spent some of the best years of your life being deployed. And if you are then accused of being a bad ally, many people think maybe they should never have been there.”
In response, the Danish Veterans Association has announced a silent demonstration march next week from Kastellet fortress in Copenhagen to the U.S. Embassy. National chairman Carsten Rasmussen explained.
“We are doing this because of the lies and the mockery coming from the American president directed at Danish veterans and veterans from other allied countries. We feel not just frustration, but what I would rather call betrayal by the American president.”
Trump's statements have sparked international outrage, with condemnations from leaders in the UK, Norway, and other NATO allies. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the remarks "frankly appalling" and suggested Trump should apologize. Downing Street rebuked the claims, asserting they were "wrong."
Prime Minister Frederiksen's office reaffirms Denmark's unwavering commitment to NATO and its partnerships, urging continued unity among allies in the face of global challenges.