Copenhagen: Denmark’s premier on Saturday criticized remarks by US President Donald Trump questioning the role of NATO allies in Afghanistan, saying the comments were ‘unacceptable’ and had deeply hurt Danish veterans.

According to Anadolu Agency, Mette Frederiksen took to US social media platform Instagram to express her disapproval, stating that it was ‘unacceptable that the American president doubts the efforts of allied soldiers in Afghanistan.’ She extended her thoughts to veterans, their families, and those who lost loved ones.

The comments came in response to an interview with Fox News where Trump claimed the US had never needed its allies and suggested NATO soldiers stayed “a little back, a little off the front lines” in Afghanistan. These remarks have incited strong reactions among Danish veterans.

Michael Willadsen, a former police chief and veteran of the Afghanistan conflict, described the statements as painful. He recounted his experiences in Helmand province, noting that there were no American forces present. Willadsen, diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 2014, shared the impact of his deployments on his family but maintained he did not regret his service.

Rene Lenskjold, a veterans’ coordinator in Esbjerg, highlighted the sense of undermining felt by many former soldiers due to the remarks. He explained that such accusations could lead veterans to question the value and purpose of their deployments.

In response to these developments, the Danish Veterans Association announced plans for a ‘silent demonstration march’ from Kastellet fortress in Copenhagen to the US Embassy. The association’s national chairman, Carsten Rasmussen, expressed a feeling of betrayal by the American president, citing the perceived lies and mockery directed at Danish and allied veterans.

Denmark’s involvement in NATO-led military operations in Afghanistan began in 2002. Danish forces were active in Helmand, one of the conflict’s deadliest areas, where at least 41 soldiers were killed, a significant casualty rate given the country’s population.