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Donald Trump’s NATO Claims Spark Outrage Among UK Veterans and Officials
Donald Trump has ignited widespread condemnation across the British political spectrum after claiming NATO troops “stayed a little back” from the front lines in Afghanistan, comments a UK minister has described as “deeply disappointing” and factually incorrect.
The U.S. president told Fox News on Thursday: “They’ll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan… and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines,” casting doubt on whether NATO allies would “be there if we ever needed them.”
These remarks have drawn sharp rebuke in Britain, where the military suffered the second-highest number of casualties in the Afghanistan conflict after the United States. According to Help for Heroes, approximately 1,186 non-American NATO troops died in the war that began in 2001, with British forces accounting for a significant portion of these losses. By comparison, more than 2,300 U.S. service members lost their lives during the conflict.
Care Minister Stephen Kinnock responded forcefully on Friday, telling Sky News: “It just doesn’t really add up what he said, because the fact of the matter is the only time that Article 5 has been invoked was to go to the aid of the United States after 9/11.”
“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,” Kinnock added, describing British forces as “the definition of honor and valor and patriotism.”
The comments have particularly stung veterans who served in some of Afghanistan’s most dangerous regions. Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty, who served in Afghanistan as a captain in the Royal Yorkshire Regiment, said it was “sad to see our nation’s sacrifice, and that of our NATO partners, held so cheaply by the president of the United States.”
“I saw first hand the sacrifices made by British soldiers I served alongside in Sangin where we suffered horrific casualties, as did the U.S. Marines the following year,” Obese-Jecty stated. “I don’t believe U.S. military personnel share the view of President Trump; his words do them a disservice as our closest military allies.”
The controversy highlights the sensitive nature of the two-decade-long conflict in Afghanistan, where coalition forces fought together under primarily American leadership. NATO’s involvement began when the United States invoked Article 5 of the NATO treaty—the collective defense provision—following the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001. This remains the only time in the alliance’s history that Article 5 has been activated.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey pointedly referenced Trump’s own military record in his response, saying: “Trump avoided military service five times. How dare he question their sacrifice.” Trump has previously faced criticism for avoiding the Vietnam draft due to bone spurs in his heels—a diagnosis that has been questioned by many critics.
Labour MP Calvin Bailey, a former RAF officer who served alongside U.S. special operations units in Afghanistan, stated that Trump’s claim “bears no resemblance to the reality experienced by those of us who served there.”
In total, America’s allies suffered 1,160 deaths in the conflict, representing roughly a third of all coalition casualties. British troops were heavily involved in combat operations, particularly in Helmand province, which saw some of the most intense fighting of the war.
Kinnock indicated that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will likely address the matter directly with Trump, telling BBC Breakfast he has “absolutely no doubt” the prime minister “will make his views very plain and clear” to the U.S. president on this issue.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for NATO, which faces evolving security challenges in Europe and ongoing debates about defense spending commitments among member nations.
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5 Comments
Disappointing to see the president make such inaccurate claims about NATO forces in Afghanistan. The UK and other allies played a significant role and suffered many casualties alongside US troops. Fact-checking is important, especially on sensitive military matters.
Agreed. It’s disheartening to see a leader dismiss the sacrifices and contributions of allies. Transparent and honest dialogue is crucial when discussing complex geopolitical issues.
The UK’s military involvement in Afghanistan is well-documented. For the president to claim they ‘stayed a little back’ is simply false and disrespectful to the brave soldiers who fought and died there. I hope he retracts these inaccurate statements.
Absolutely. The UK forces fought shoulder-to-shoulder with US troops and suffered immense losses. Dismissing their role is an insult to their service and sacrifice.
While I appreciate the president’s perspective, these comments about NATO troops in Afghanistan seem highly misleading. The data clearly shows the UK and other allies made major contributions and paid a heavy price. Fact-checking is crucial, especially on military matters.