Amid controversy over his earlier remarks about the role of non-US NATO forces in Afghanistan, Donald Trump on Saturday issued strong praise for British troops, commending their courage and sacrifice during the long conflict. He described the 457 British servicemen and women who lost their lives in Afghanistan, along with those who were seriously wounded, as “among the greatest of all warriors,” underscoring their contribution alongside American forces.
The remarks followed significant backlash over comments Trump made earlier in the week during an interview in Davos, Switzerland, where he suggested that troops from non-American NATO countries had remained “a little off the front lines” during the Afghanistan war. Those comments triggered immediate political reaction in the United Kingdom, including sharp criticism from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described Trump’s words as “insulting and frankly appalling.”
In the Davos interview, Trump had said that NATO allies were rarely asked to do much by the United States, adding that while they did send troops to Afghanistan, they tended to stay slightly removed from direct combat. These remarks were widely interpreted as diminishing the sacrifices made by allied forces, particularly British troops who fought extensively alongside US soldiers throughout the conflict.
In an apparent attempt to clarify and soften his stance, Trump later issued a statement on Saturday emphasising the enduring partnership between the United States and the United Kingdom. He said that British soldiers have always stood shoulder to shoulder with American forces and reiterated that those who served in Afghanistan demonstrated exceptional bravery. He again highlighted the loss of 457 British personnel and the many others who were badly injured, calling them some of the finest warriors to have served.
Trump went on to stress that the military relationship between the two countries is unbreakable, saying the bond between the armed forces of the United States and the United Kingdom is “too strong to ever be broken.” He added that the UK military, driven by what he described as tremendous heart and soul, ranks second to none in the world, with the sole exception of the United States.
Reinforcing that message, Trump said that American affection and respect for British soldiers would never waver. He emphasised that the shared history, sacrifices, and cooperation between the two militaries have forged a relationship that transcends political disagreements and momentary controversy.
Despite the later praise, Prime Minister Starmer raised the issue directly with Trump, making clear his displeasure over the earlier remarks. The UK Prime Minister’s office confirmed that the matter was discussed during a conversation between the two leaders, stressing the importance of recognising the bravery of British and American troops who fought side by side in Afghanistan.
In a statement, Starmer’s office said the prime minister highlighted the courage and heroism of the soldiers from both countries, many of whom never returned home. The statement emphasised that their sacrifices must always be remembered and respected, reflecting the deep sensitivities surrounding the legacy of the Afghanistan war and the shared losses endured by allied nations.
