Former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark and out-and-proud diplomat Rufus Gifford is not holding back after Vice President JD Vance threw some frosty shade at America’s most polite BFF — Denmark. In a political move that reeks of Arctic posturing and MAGA dramatics, Vance labeled Denmark “not a good ally” over supposed tensions about Greenland. Gifford, who knows Denmark like RuPaul knows a runway, isn’t having it.
“Honestly? I’m hurt,” Gifford said. “But it’s not just about me. It’s about the Danish people — and the fact that they’ve always had our backs.” The former ambassador recounted Denmark’s ride-or-die history with the U.S., from sending troops into high-risk zones to stepping up in global crises without hesitation. “They always said yes — even when it cost them deeply,” he said.
Denmark: America’s Loyal, Queer-Friendly Ride-or-Die
Let’s be real: Denmark is more than just hygge, pastries, and progressive vibes. It’s also one of the most LGBTQ-affirming nations on the planet, and under Gifford’s ambassadorship, the U.S. built bridges with the country not just politically, but through shared values of inclusion. Gifford, a trailblazing gay diplomat, was embraced by Danes with open arms and rainbow flags. To see that same country now dismissed by American leadership? That’s more than just geopolitics — it’s personal.
“They’ve lost more lives per capita in Afghanistan than we have,” Gifford pointed out. “I attended those funerals. I looked those veterans in the eye.” His voice cracked as he spoke about Danish soldiers wounded — or worse — while supporting U.S. missions. “To turn around and call them bad allies? That’s not just wrong. It’s cruel.”
Greenland, Gaslighting, and GOP Games
So what’s behind the sudden Denmark shade? It’s the same fantasy Trump floated years ago — the idea of buying Greenland like it’s real estate and not, y’know, a country full of people. Vance, it seems, is echoing that same bizarre ambition. But for Gifford, it’s a slap in the face to a country that’s done everything right.
“It’s political theater,” he said. “And it’s dangerous. If we alienate our most reliable allies over some half-baked Arctic dream, what message does that send to the rest of the world?”
The LGBTQ+ Angle: This Hits Home
For queer Americans, especially those in public service, the attack on Denmark feels like an attack on values. Denmark isn’t just an ally — it’s a symbol of the future the LGBTQ+ community fights for: cooperation, compassion, and inclusivity. Gifford isn’t just defending a nation. He’s defending a vision of diplomacy rooted in dignity.
“The LGBTQ+ community knows what it’s like to be scapegoated for political gain,” Gifford said. “Denmark didn’t deserve this. And neither do we.”
So as the MAGA machine keeps spinning, queer voices like Gifford’s remind us that dignity matters — and so does standing by those who stood by us.