Thousands of people braved freezing temperatures in Copenhagen on Saturday to take part in a silent march organised by Denmark’s Veterans’ Association, protesting remarks by US President Donald Trump that were widely perceived as dismissive of the role played by non-US NATO troops in Afghanistan.
Between 8,000 and 10,000 participants joined the march, far exceeding organisers’ expectations of just over 1,000. Police estimated the crowd at “at least 10,000.” The demonstration was held in support of Danish veterans and in remembrance of the 44 Danish soldiers who lost their lives during the Afghanistan mission.
The protest followed comments made by Trump on January 22, in which he suggested that European NATO forces had “stayed a little back, a little off the front lines” during the 20-year conflict. The remarks sparked anger in Denmark and elsewhere in Europe, particularly given Denmark’s long record of fighting alongside US forces in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Gulf War.
The march began at Kastellet, Copenhagen’s historic citadel, where participants gathered for a brief ceremony at the monument to fallen soldiers. From there, they proceeded in complete silence toward the US embassy, located about two kilometres away.
Calling the demonstration “#NoWords,” the association’s vice president, Søren Knudsen, said the name reflected the depth of feeling among veterans and supporters. “We have no words,” he told AFP. “We also want Americans to understand that what Trump said is an insult to us and to the values we defended together.”
Participants carried Danish red-and-white flags, while some marched in military uniforms. The atmosphere remained sombre throughout, with no chants or speeches. Many demonstrators appeared emotional as they walked in silence.
Veterans from the United States and several European countries also joined the march. “What Trump said was very insulting,” said Henning Andersen, a 64-year-old former Danish UN soldier. “I have friends who served in Afghanistan. Some were wounded and still live with the consequences today. He’s speaking without knowing the full truth.”
Another participant, a 58-year-old member of Denmark’s home guard who identified herself only as Orum, echoed that sentiment. “How can he even say that? It’s insulting,” she said, wearing khaki fatigues and a green beret.
At the front of the procession, protesters carried a large red banner reading “NoWords.” Others held handwritten placards, including one reading “Trump is so dumb,” and another, carried by a child, that said, “Say sorry, Trump.”
Earlier in the week, 44 Danish flags bearing the names of soldiers killed in Afghanistan had been placed in planters outside the US embassy. The embassy initially removed the flags, later apologising and returning them, saying the planters were embassy property and that the placement had not been coordinated.
In a Facebook statement, the embassy said it held “the deepest respect for Danish veterans and the sacrifices Danish soldiers have made for our shared security,” stressing there was no ill intent behind the removal.
On Friday, January 30, the US ambassador placed 44 Danish flags in the embassy’s flowerbeds. The following day, 52 flags were displayed — 44 honouring those killed in Afghanistan and eight commemorating Danish soldiers who died in Iraq. A minute of silence was observed, and a wreath of red and white flowers was laid outside the embassy.
Despite the controversy, Denmark continues to describe the United States as its closest ally, though relations have faced strain in recent years, including over Trump’s previously expressed interest in Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory.
