Trump hails UK troops after NATO comments

By Tolulope Oke

US President Donald Trump on Saturday appeared to soften his stance on Britain’s role in Afghanistan, calling UK soldiers “among the greatest of all warriors”, following a wave of criticism over remarks that appeared to question NATO’s contribution in the war.

Trump’s comments came after he told Fox News this week that NATO sent “some troops” but largely “stayed a little back, a little off the front lines,” and suggested the alliance might not come to the aid of the United States if asked.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned Trump’s earlier remarks as “appalling”, prompting the US president to praise Britain’s fallen and injured soldiers on his Truth Social platform:

“The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America! In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors. It’s a bond too strong to ever be broken.”

Other NATO allies also reacted sharply. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the remarks “unacceptable”, noting Denmark had one of the highest per capita losses in Afghanistan. She added:

“I fully understand that Danish veterans have said no words can describe how much this hurts. It is unacceptable that the American president questions the commitment of allied soldiers in Afghanistan.”

Similarly, the office of French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed Trump’s comments as unworthy of response, saying:

“It is to the families of fallen soldiers that the Head of State wishes to offer comfort and reiterate the nation’s gratitude.”