Trump Praises ‘Great and Very Brave’ UK Soldiers After Criticizing NATO Allies’ Afghanistan Service

President Trump has moved to clarify his controversial remarks about NATO allies in Afghanistan, offering high praise for British forces after his earlier comments sparked diplomatic tension with the United Kingdom.

In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump lauded UK military personnel who served in Afghanistan, calling them “among the greatest of all warriors” and emphasizing the 457 British service members who lost their lives during the conflict.

“The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America,” Trump wrote. “It’s a bond too strong to ever be broken. The UK Military, with tremendous Heart and Soul, is second to none (except for the U.S.A.!). We love you all, and always will!”

This statement represents a significant shift from Trump’s earlier criticism of NATO troops during a Fox Business interview, where he claimed allied forces “stayed a little back, little off the front lines” in Afghanistan. The initial comments prompted swift and forceful rebuttals from British officials and military figures.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Trump’s original remarks “insulting and frankly, appalling.” According to a spokesperson, Starmer directly addressed the issue during a weekend phone call with Trump, reminding him of “the brave and heroic British and American soldiers who fought side by side in Afghanistan, many of whom never returned home.”

Prince Harry, who served two tours in Afghanistan with the British Army, also issued a rare public rebuke. “I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there,” the prince stated. “Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect, as we all remain united and loyal to the defense of diplomacy and peace.”

The diplomatic flap occurs at a sensitive time for US-UK relations, as both countries navigate changing leadership dynamics and ongoing global security challenges. Britain has long been America’s closest military ally, deploying substantial forces to support US-led operations in both Afghanistan and Iraq.

The UK committed over 9,500 troops to Afghanistan at the height of its involvement, and British forces engaged in some of the conflict’s most intense fighting, particularly in Helmand Province. The 457 British fatalities in Afghanistan represent the second-highest death toll among coalition forces, behind only the United States.

Military analysts note that Trump’s initial comments reflect his longstanding criticism of NATO burden-sharing, a theme he repeatedly emphasized during his first administration. However, his swift clarification demonstrates recognition of the potential diplomatic damage such remarks could cause with a key ally.

The exchange highlights the delicate nature of transatlantic relations and how casual statements about military commitments can have significant diplomatic repercussions. For veterans’ organizations on both sides of the Atlantic, such debates risk reopening painful wounds about a conflict that remains controversial.

Meanwhile, defense cooperation between the US and UK continues to be essential for both nations’ security strategies. British Defense Ministry officials have recently signaled willingness to support future peace initiatives in Ukraine, indicating ongoing alignment with American strategic interests despite occasional diplomatic tensions.

As Trump’s comments and subsequent clarification demonstrate, the “special relationship” between the United States and United Kingdom remains resilient, though not immune to friction over sensitive issues like military sacrifice and alliance contributions.