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UK Leaders Condemn Trump’s “Insulting” Claims About NATO Allies in Afghanistan
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has strongly rebuked former US President Donald Trump over his recent claims that NATO troops avoided frontline combat in Afghanistan, calling the remarks “insulting and frankly appalling” and demanding an apology.
The comments have sparked widespread condemnation across the political spectrum in the UK, with veterans, military leaders, and politicians uniting to defend the service and sacrifice of British forces who fought alongside American troops in the conflict.
“I consider President Trump’s remarks to be insulting and frankly appalling, and I am not surprised they have caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured,” Starmer said, paying tribute to the 457 British personnel who lost their lives in Afghanistan.
Prince Harry, who served two tours in Afghanistan with the British Army, also weighed in, stating that the “sacrifices” of British soldiers who served and died deserve to be “spoken about truthfully and with respect.”
Trump provoked the outrage during a Fox News interview where he questioned NATO’s commitment, saying, “They’ll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan… and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines.” The former president, who avoided the Vietnam War draft five times due to bone spurs, suggested he wasn’t sure if NATO allies “would be there if we ever needed them.”
The White House responded to the criticism without offering an apology, with spokesperson Taylor Rogers telling The Independent: “President Trump is absolutely right — the United States of America has done more for NATO than any other country in the alliance has done combined.”
Defence Minister Al Carns, who served five tours in Afghanistan, offered a particularly pointed response, inviting “whoever believes these comments” to “have a whisky with me, my colleagues, their families, and importantly, the families of those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for both of our nations.” Carns also shared video footage from his frontline service as a “small snapshot of what it’s like to be on the front line in Afghanistan.”
Former First Sea Lord Admiral Lord West called Trump’s comments “disgraceful,” telling The Independent: “It is wrong and a disgraceful thing for anyone to say, let alone the head of state of an allied nation.”
The controversy highlights the historical record of NATO’s involvement in Afghanistan, which began after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks—the only time in history that NATO’s Article 5, which considers an attack on one member as an attack on all, has been invoked. The alliance responded by supporting American-led operations in Afghanistan.
Britain suffered the second-highest number of military casualties in the conflict with 457 deaths, behind only the United States with 2,461. In total, America’s non-US NATO allies lost 1,160 personnel in Afghanistan—approximately one-third of all coalition deaths.
Lucy Aldridge, whose son William died in Afghanistan at age 18, said Trump’s remarks were “extremely upsetting” and showed “no compassion whatsoever for anyone who doesn’t serve him.”
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch dismissed Trump’s claims as “flat-out nonsense,” while Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey pointedly noted: “Trump avoided military service five times. How dare he question their sacrifice?”
Former defence secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind offered perhaps the most damning assessment: “President Trump is either willing to make accusations without bothering to check the facts, or he is just lying and knows he is lying. Either way, he is destroying his reputation and that of the United States.”
The prime minister suggested Trump should apologize, saying: “If I had misspoken in that way or said those words, I would certainly apologise.”
Labour MP Calvin Bailey, a former RAF officer who served alongside US special operations units in Afghanistan, struck a more conciliatory tone, saying: “I know that Trump is one man, but behind him are 300 million, most of whom disagree [with him]. I served with Americans; they are my friends. They told me to rise above those comments.”
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12 Comments
The comments from former President Trump are deeply troubling and show a lack of understanding or appreciation for the realities of modern warfare and the role of NATO allies. British forces played a crucial part in the Afghanistan conflict.
I agree. Disputing the combat role and sacrifices of British troops in Afghanistan is not only inaccurate but also disrespectful to the memory of those who gave their lives. Maintaining facts and perspective is essential.
It’s disappointing to see such divisive and disrespectful rhetoric regarding the brave men and women who served in Afghanistan. Factual, unbiased reporting is crucial when discussing the realities of military service and operations.
Absolutely. Political differences should never undermine the fundamental respect and appreciation we owe to those who risk their lives in defense of their countries.
It’s unfortunate to see political disputes overshadow the immense contributions and sacrifices of British troops in Afghanistan. Their service and bravery deserve recognition, not dismissal or false claims.
Absolutely. Regardless of one’s political leanings, the valiant efforts of our armed forces should be honored and respected. Perpetuating misinformation about their role is both disrespectful and divisive.
Regardless of political affiliations, we should honor the service and sacrifice of all troops who fought in Afghanistan. Their sacrifices deserve to be recognized with respect and integrity, not undermined by false claims.
I agree completely. The lives lost and trauma endured by British forces in Afghanistan should never be diminished or dismissed, regardless of one’s views on the conflict.
While political leaders may disagree, the service and sacrifice of British troops in Afghanistan deserves universal recognition and gratitude. Stoking controversy over their role is both misguided and disrespectful.
Well said. Honoring the valor and commitment of our armed forces should transcend partisan divides. Their contributions to global security and stability deserve thoughtful, nuanced discussion.
While leaders may disagree, the service and sacrifice of British troops in Afghanistan should never be diminished or undermined. Their dedication and valor deserve universal recognition and gratitude.
Well said. The men and women who served in Afghanistan, from all NATO countries, put their lives on the line to protect our shared values and security. Their contributions should be remembered with the utmost respect and appreciation.