From Brothers-in-Arms to Bargaining Chips: The Disrespect for Denmark

Trump says the U.S. would use "economic force" to acquire Greenland, Panama Canal

Is This How We Treat Our Allies?

As Americans, we pride ourselves on loyalty and honor. These values are especially sacred to our veterans, who have fought alongside allied forces in defense of freedom and democracy. But recent actions by Donald Trump raise troubling questions about how we treat those who have stood shoulder to shoulder with us on the battlefield.

Denmark, a key NATO ally, has been in the crosshairs of Trump's ambitions to buy Greenland—a move dismissed by Danish leaders as absurd. Trump's push to acquire the Arctic territory isn't just impractical; it's disrespectful to a nation that has made real sacrifices alongside the United States.

Denmark's Crucial Role in Afghanistan

Denmark's contributions to NATO operations represent one of the highest per-capita commitments among coalition partners. Between 1992 and 2009, over 26,000 Danish soldiers served in global conflict zones, but their involvement in Afghanistan stands out for its depth and sacrifice. According to the Danish Ministry of Defense, Denmark deployed approximately 9,500 military personnel to Afghanistan between 2002 and 2021. They maintained an average presence of 500 troops throughout most of the conflict, making it one of the highest per-capita force contributions among NATO allies.

The Danish commitment went far beyond numbers. Denmark's military involvement in Afghanistan spanned from January 2002 to 2021, with approximately 12,000 Danish soldiers participating in around 21,000 deployments. Primarily stationed in Helmand Province, one of Afghanistan's most volatile regions, Danish forces undertook some of the most dangerous missions alongside British and American troops. Notably, Denmark deployed Leopard 2A5 tanks to support operations in southern Afghanistan, marking significant contributions to various military engagements.

While specific details about the exact number of combat engagements are not readily available, the Danish military's active participation in these operations is well-documented. This dedication came at a heavy cost – 44 Danish soldiers lost their lives, and more than 214 were wounded in action. Proportional to its population, Denmark endured one of the highest casualty rates among coalition partners.

Danish special forces, particularly the Jægerkorpset and Frømandskorpset, conducted critical joint operations with U.S. Special Operations Forces. Their expertise in counterterrorism and reconnaissance proved invaluable in numerous high-stakes missions. The Danish military also provided crucial medical support through their Role 2 field hospital in Camp Bastion, treating both coalition forces and Afghan civilians.

Disregard for Alliances

Despite Denmark's exemplary commitment to NATO and its demonstrated partnership in Afghanistan, Trump's rhetoric and actions signaled an alarming lack of respect. His fixation on purchasing Greenland, coupled with thinly veiled threats of coercion, contradicted the principles that bind NATO allies. Denmark has consistently met NATO's defense spending targets, committing 2% of its GDP to defense, as confirmed by NATO's official spending reports.

A Question of Values

The relationship between the United States and Denmark transcends mere transaction; it is built on shared ideals and sacrifices. Danish soldiers didn't just stand with us in Afghanistan – they bled with us, fought alongside us, and shared in both our victories and losses. Their commitment to democracy, peacekeeping, and counterterrorism mirrors the values we hold dear.

As we reflect on these developments, we must ask ourselves: Is this the America we fought for? One that undermines its allies for short-term gains? Or are we a nation that honors the bonds forged in war, standing by those who stood by us?

Denmark's soldiers embody courage and commitment—values that resonate deeply with America's veterans. It's time to show that we recognize their sacrifices and uphold the principles that make our alliances strong. Anything less would betray not just Denmark, but the very essence of what we stand for.