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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for U.S. President Donald Trump to apologize for his “insulting” and “appalling” remarks about NATO allies’ contributions in Afghanistan, fueling tensions in an already strained transatlantic relationship.
Trump claimed in a Fox News interview from Davos that non-U.S. NATO troops in Afghanistan “stayed a little back, a little off the front lines,” suggesting allied forces avoided combat operations. “We’ve never needed them, we have never really asked anything of them,” Trump stated, dismissing allied contributions to the two-decade conflict.
The comments sparked outrage across the United Kingdom, where 457 military personnel lost their lives during the Afghanistan conflict following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. More than 150,000 British troops served in Afghanistan between 2001 and 2014, constituting the second-largest contingent after American forces.
“I will never forget their courage, their bravery and the sacrifice they made for their country,” Starmer said, addressing the British casualties. “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 and, in fact, across the country.”
British forces played a crucial role in numerous operations throughout the Afghanistan campaign, particularly in the volatile Helmand Province in southern Afghanistan. The United Kingdom’s involvement stemmed from then-Prime Minister Tony Blair’s pledge to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with the United States following the 9/11 attacks.
Ben Obese-Jecty, a Member of Parliament who served as a captain in the Royal Yorkshire Regiment in Afghanistan, expressed dismay that America’s allies were being diminished. “It’s sad to see our nation’s sacrifice, and that of our NATO partners, held so cheaply by the president of the United States,” he said.
Critics have pointed to the irony of Trump’s comments given his own military service record. Stephen Stewart, author of “The Accidental Soldier,” noted: “It’s hugely ironic that someone who allegedly dodged the draft for the Vietnam War should make such a disgraceful statement.” Trump received a deferment from Vietnam service citing bone spurs, though he has reportedly been unable to recall which foot was affected.
The controversy comes at a particularly sensitive moment for NATO. Trump has repeatedly questioned the value of the alliance and recently escalated tensions by threatening to seize Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, and imposing tariffs on European nations that opposed his ambitions.
Denmark, which lost 44 soldiers in Afghanistan—the highest per-capita death toll among coalition forces—has responded strongly to Trump’s assertions. Former Danish platoon commander Martin Tamm Andersen pointedly stated: “When America needed us after 9/11 we were there.”
Trump’s comments directly contradict historical facts regarding NATO’s involvement in Afghanistan. The mission there represented the only time in NATO’s history that Article 5—the mutual defense clause requiring all members to respond if one is attacked—has been invoked. This activation came specifically in response to the 9/11 attacks on American soil.
While Trump appeared to temporarily ease tensions following a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, where they discussed a framework for Arctic security, his latest comments have further strained the alliance.
Diane Dernie, mother of Ben Parkinson who suffered severe injuries when his British Army Land Rover hit a mine in Afghanistan in 2006, called Trump’s remarks “the ultimate insult” and urged Prime Minister Starmer to “make a stand for those who fought for this country and for our flag.”
Responding to these calls, Starmer suggested Trump should apologize, stating: “If I had misspoken in that way or said those words, I would certainly apologize and I’d apologize to her.”
As the diplomatic fallout continues, the controversy highlights ongoing concerns about Trump’s commitment to traditional U.S. alliances and the potential implications for NATO’s future should he return to office.
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12 Comments
While Trump is known for making controversial statements, his remarks about non-U.S. NATO troops in Afghanistan are particularly egregious. The UK and other allies made significant contributions that should not be so casually dismissed.
I agree completely. The sacrifices of British and other NATO forces deserve recognition, not this kind of insulting rhetoric from the U.S. president.
Trump’s dismissive remarks about NATO allies in Afghanistan show a fundamental lack of understanding and appreciation for the realities of modern military operations. The contributions of British and other forces were critical to the mission.
Absolutely. The UK and other NATO members made immense sacrifices in Afghanistan, and their service should be honored, not belittled by the American president.
While Trump is known for his controversial statements, his comments about non-U.S. NATO troops in Afghanistan cross a line. The bravery and service of British and other allied forces deserve recognition, not such disrespectful rhetoric.
I agree. Trump’s remarks are not only offensive but also damaging to the transatlantic relationship and the cohesion of the NATO alliance. This kind of divisive behavior is counterproductive and concerning.
It’s disappointing but not surprising to see Trump make such disrespectful comments about the role of non-American troops in Afghanistan. His tendency to disparage allies and their military efforts is deeply troubling.
You’re right, this is just the latest example of Trump’s disdain for America’s traditional allies and partners. His statements undermine NATO cohesion at a time when global security challenges require a united front.
It’s concerning to see the U.S. president making such disparaging comments about the efforts of allied forces in Afghanistan. This kind of rhetoric undermines the unity and cooperation that is essential for effective military operations.
Well said. Trump’s remarks are damaging to transatlantic relations and could weaken NATO’s ability to address global security threats in the future.
Trump’s remarks about NATO allies in Afghanistan are extremely disrespectful and dismissive of the sacrifices made by troops from other countries. His lack of appreciation for their contributions is appalling and disappointing.
I agree. The British and other NATO forces played a vital role in the Afghanistan conflict and their service and losses should be honored, not diminished.