US Embassy in Copenhagen Removes Danish Memorial Flags, Sparks Outcry

Flags Removed, Outcry Ensues

The United States Embassy in Copenhagen recently drew widespread condemnation after its staff removed 44 Danish flags that had been placed outside the embassy to honor Danish soldiers killed during the NATO mission in Afghanistan. The flags, each bearing the name of a fallen soldier, were initially placed by Danish veterans and activists on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, and subsequently removed on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, sparking immediate anger among the Danish public and officials.

Context of the Protest

The placement of the flags was a direct response to recent comments made by US President Donald Trump. In a Fox News interview, President Trump suggested that NATO troops 'hung back a bit' and 'stayed some distance from the front line' during the Afghanistan conflict. These remarks were perceived as disrespectful and insulting to the sacrifices made by allied forces. Denmark, a staunch NATO ally, suffered one of the highest per-capita death tolls in Afghanistan, with 44 soldiers losing their lives in the mission.

Embassy's Explanation and Danish Reaction

The US Embassy initially stated that the flags were removed as part of a standard policy regarding items placed without prior coordination. A State Department spokesperson, speaking anonymously, indicated that security personnel typically clear away banners and signs left by demonstrators and that the embassy was 'unaware of why the flags were placed' until media inquiries. However, this explanation was met with skepticism, as Danish broadcaster TV2 reported that veterans had been in contact with embassy security personnel who had approved the placement.

The removal ignited a strong backlash. Copenhagen's Mayor Line Barfod described the act as 'disrespectful' and urged the embassy to restore the display, noting that while the planters were embassy property, they were located on public land. Carsten Rasmussen, head of the Danish Veterans' Association, called for an apology, characterizing the tribute as 'beautiful' and 'dignified.'

Resolution and Broader Diplomatic Tensions

Following the widespread outcry, the US Embassy in Copenhagen later backtracked on its initial stance. Embassy officials conveyed to Danish media that they would not have removed the flags had they been aware of the tribute's intention. The flags were reportedly returned to the activists, and subsequent replacements have since been allowed to remain in place. This incident occurred amidst broader diplomatic tensions between the United States and Denmark, exacerbated by President Trump's earlier comments on NATO contributions and his controversial suggestion regarding the acquisition of Greenland.