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UK Leaders Condemn Trump’s Claims About NATO Allies in Afghanistan War
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has sharply rebuked former US President Donald Trump for his “insulting and frankly appalling” comments suggesting that NATO troops stayed away from the front lines during the Afghanistan conflict.
The prime minister joined a chorus of veterans, military leaders, and politicians from across the British political spectrum demanding an apology from Trump, whose remarks have ignited widespread anger throughout the United Kingdom.
“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 died in the conflict.
The controversy erupted after Trump told Fox News: “They’ll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan… and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines.” The statement has particularly outraged Britain, which suffered the second-highest number of military casualties in the conflict after the United States.
Prince Harry, who served two tours in Afghanistan, added his voice to the criticism, stating that the “sacrifices” of British soldiers who served and died “deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect.”
The White House responded Friday night without offering an apology. “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,” White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers told The Independent.
Defence Minister Al Carns, who personally served five tours in Afghanistan, posted a video of himself in combat and invited “whoever believes these comments” to “come 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.”
Former First Sea Lord Admiral Lord West called Trump’s statements “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 significance of NATO’s involvement in Afghanistan, which began after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks—the only time in NATO’s history that Article 5, which considers an attack on one member nation as an attack on all, has been invoked. The alliance responded by supporting the United States in Afghanistan.
Military records show America’s allies suffered 1,160 deaths in the conflict, roughly a third of total coalition casualties. Britain’s 457 fatalities represented the second-highest toll among coalition partners, underscoring the United Kingdom’s significant commitment to the mission.
“Many, many British soldiers and many soldiers from other European NATO allies gave their lives in support of American missions, American-led missions in places like Afghanistan and Iraq,” noted Care Minister Stephen Kinnock.
The remarks have been particularly painful for the families of those who died. Lucy Aldridge, whose son William was killed in Afghanistan at age 18, described Trump’s comments as “extremely upsetting” and said the former president had “no compassion whatsoever for anyone who doesn’t serve him.”
Former Defence Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind offered a scathing 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.”
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch dismissed Trump’s claims as “flat-out nonsense,” while Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey referenced Trump’s own military service record, saying: “Trump avoided military service five times. How dare he question their sacrifice?”
Former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, who initially committed British troops to Afghanistan, responded through a spokesperson: “Tony Blair knows – and will always remember with deep gratitude – the enormous contribution and sacrifice British troops made in Afghanistan on the front line of the fight against terrorism, following the 9/11 attacks on the US.”
Labour MP Calvin Bailey, a former RAF officer who served alongside US special operations units in Afghanistan, offered a more measured response: “I served with Americans; they are my friends. They told me to rise above those comments.”
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14 Comments
It’s deeply disappointing to see such reckless and inaccurate statements from a former US president. The UK military played a critical role in Afghanistan, with hundreds of brave personnel killed or injured. An apology is the least Trump can do.
Absolutely. The UK’s commitment to the Afghanistan mission was unwavering, despite the heavy toll. Trump’s comments are an insult to their service and sacrifice.
Trump’s claims about UK troops in Afghanistan are completely divorced from reality. The British military played a vital role in the conflict, suffering hundreds of casualties. Starmer is right to demand an apology for these offensive and inaccurate remarks.
Agreed. The UK’s commitment to the Afghanistan mission was unquestionable, as evidenced by the heavy price they paid in lives lost. Trump’s comments show a profound disrespect for their sacrifices.
This is a disappointing example of Trump’s tendency to make false and inflammatory statements. The UK’s military contribution in Afghanistan was immense, with hundreds of brave personnel killed or wounded. Starmer is right to call for an apology.
Absolutely. The UK forces were at the forefront of many operations in Afghanistan, suffering heavy casualties. Trump’s remarks are an insult to their service and sacrifice.
Trump’s dismissive comments about the UK’s role in Afghanistan are simply false and disrespectful. The UK military suffered significant losses defending freedom alongside their NATO allies. An apology is the minimum that should be expected.
Agreed. The UK forces played a vital part in the Afghanistan conflict, with hundreds of personnel killed or wounded. Trump’s attempt to downplay their role is shameful and should be condemned.
Trump’s comments are completely at odds with the sacrifice and bravery of British troops in Afghanistan. The UK suffered heavy losses defending freedom alongside our NATO allies. Starmer is right to demand an apology for these false and disrespectful claims.
Agreed, the UK made immense contributions and sacrifices in Afghanistan. Trump’s remarks show a fundamental lack of understanding of the realities of the conflict.
It’s unfortunate to see a former US president make such inaccurate and disrespectful remarks about the UK’s military contribution in Afghanistan. The facts clearly show the immense sacrifices made by British troops in that conflict.
Absolutely. The UK’s commitment to the mission in Afghanistan was unwavering, despite the heavy toll. Trump’s comments show a profound lack of understanding and respect for their service.
The UK’s military contribution in Afghanistan is well-documented and respected. Trump’s dismissive remarks about their role are both false and disrespectful. I hope he will apologize and correct the record.
Yes, the UK forces were at the forefront of combat operations in Afghanistan. Trump’s attempt to downplay their involvement is shameful and should be strongly condemned.