Trump Attacks U.K.–Mauritius Chagos Deal He Previously Backed, Citing Greenland Push
President Trump attacked a UK–Mauritius agreement to transfer control of the Chagos Islands — a deal he had previously supported — saying his administration’s push on Greenland informed his criticism. That Greenland rhetoric has provoked backlash in Denmark, where hundreds of veterans held a silent protest outside the U.S. Embassy on Jan. 31, 2026, objecting to belittling remarks about Denmark’s security role and to an incident in which embassy guards briefly removed — then replaced after an apology — 44 Danish flags honoring soldiers killed in Afghanistan and Iraq.
📌 Key Facts
- On Jan. 31, 2026, hundreds of Danish veterans held a silent protest outside the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen.
- The protest was in response to the Trump administration's threats to 'take over' Greenland and rhetoric that veterans said belittled Denmark’s security role.
- Veteran groups emphasized Denmark’s history of fighting alongside U.S. forces and said they feel 'let down and ridiculed' by the Trump administration.
- Protesters cited casualty figures to underscore their point: 44 Danish soldiers killed in Afghanistan (the highest coalition death toll per capita) and eight killed in Iraq.
- The U.S. Embassy initially removed 44 Danish flags placed to honor the fallen, then apologized, replaced them, and said there was 'no ill intent,' explaining that guards generally remove items left after demonstrations.
📊 Analysis & Commentary (1)
"A pro‑Trump opinion piece arguing that Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Chagos–Mauritius agreement is a strategic mistake and that Trump’s public condemnation of the deal is correct, because transferring sovereignty—even with a leaseback for Diego Garcia—weakens allied control and signals dangerous weakness."
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- Hundreds of Danish veterans held a silent protest outside the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen on Jan. 31, 2026, over Trump administration threats to 'take over' Greenland and rhetoric belittling Denmark’s security role.
- Veteran groups emphasized that Denmark has repeatedly fought alongside U.S. forces, citing 44 Danish soldiers killed in Afghanistan (the highest coalition death toll per capita) and eight in Iraq, and said they feel 'let down and ridiculed' by the Trump administration.
- The U.S. Embassy initially removed 44 Danish flags placed to honor the fallen, then apologized, replaced them and said there was 'no ill intent' and that guards generally remove items left after demonstrations.