Copenhagen – A recent poll indicates a dramatic shift in Danish public opinion, with 60 percent now viewing the United States as an adversary, according to Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former Prime Minister of Denmark and ex-Secretary General of NATO. The finding comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and key European allies, highlighted by recent protests in Copenhagen led by Danish veterans.
The protests, which took place a week prior to the Munich Security Conference, were sparked by President Trump’s past threats regarding Greenland and his assertion that NATO troops fighting alongside U.S. Forces in Afghanistan “stayed a little back, little off the front lines.” Rasmussen noted the inaccuracy of the latter claim, pointing out that Denmark suffered more casualties per capita in Afghanistan than the United States.
“It’s incomprehensible, in a way. It’s a particularly painful process,” Rasmussen told NPR’s Mary Louise Kelly. “Since childhood, I have admired the United States… We have been one of the most positive and closest allies of the United States. And despite all that, in one year, the Trump administration has actually changed the attitude in Denmark.”
Rasmussen, who served as NATO Secretary General from 2009 to 2014, suggested a need for a new global leadership structure, proposing a “D7” – a coalition of democracies including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea – to fill a perceived void left by a potentially retreating United States. He characterized the U.S. As having historically acted as a “global policeman” but suggested that this role may be diminishing.
The situation surrounding Greenland remains a point of contention. Although President Trump initially expressed a desire for U.S. Control of the territory, Rasmussen indicated that a deal has been reached, though its specifics remain unclear. A working group comprised of representatives from Denmark, Greenland, and the United States has been established to address the situation and accommodate President Trump’s concerns, including increased military presence and investment in Greenland’s mining sector, while preventing undue influence from China and Russia.
Rasmussen also criticized what he described as a failed strategy of “flattery” towards President Trump by European leaders, asserting that he “only respects one thing – unity and a firm stance.” He cited a recent instance where European unity in opposing Trump’s proposed tariffs on European goods proved effective.
Despite the current tensions, Rasmussen maintained that NATO remains crucial to European security, particularly due to the U.S. Nuclear umbrella. However, he advocated for strengthening the “European pillar” within NATO, comprised of nations willing and able to enhance their own defense capabilities. He argued that Europe has grow overly reliant on “cheap energy from Russia, cheap goods from China and cheap security from the United States,” a model he believes is unsustainable.
Looking ahead to the Munich Security Conference, Rasmussen identified two key areas of focus: the tone of remarks from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and the willingness of European nations to demonstrate their commitment to Ukraine’s security by deploying troops. He lamented that a coalition intended to support Ukraine has so far been “more a coalition of the waiting,” emphasizing the need for concrete action.
