Donald Trump has praised UK soldiers who fought in Afghanistan after his claim that allied forces avoided the front lines prompted criticism from veterans and politicians. Earlier this week Trump angered US allies by downplaying the role of NATO troops in the war and doubted whether the military alliance would be there for the US if we ever needed them. Trump's words drew condemnation from international allies, while Sir Keir Starmer called them insulting and frankly appalling.
The UK prime minister spoke to Trump on Saturday, after which the US president used his Truth Social platform to praise UK troops as being among the greatest of all warriors. Trump was criticised for remarks during an interview with Fox News where he said of NATO troops: We've never needed them. We have never really asked anything of them.
That triggered a huge backlash from the families of soldiers who served in Afghanistan, as well as veterans and politicians who called for Trump to apologise. Prince Harry emphasized respect for the sacrifices of troops, noting that NATO's collective security clause had been invoked once - after the 9/11 attacks.
Following their conversation, Trump issued a statement emphasizing British bravery and aligning with their contributions in Afghanistan. He stated: The great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America. His comments, however, did not acknowledge other NATO allies who contributed troops. Leaders across the globe expressed discontent with Trump's initial statement, reinforcing the sacrifices made by their own soldiers in the historic conflict.
The UK prime minister spoke to Trump on Saturday, after which the US president used his Truth Social platform to praise UK troops as being among the greatest of all warriors. Trump was criticised for remarks during an interview with Fox News where he said of NATO troops: We've never needed them. We have never really asked anything of them.
That triggered a huge backlash from the families of soldiers who served in Afghanistan, as well as veterans and politicians who called for Trump to apologise. Prince Harry emphasized respect for the sacrifices of troops, noting that NATO's collective security clause had been invoked once - after the 9/11 attacks.
Following their conversation, Trump issued a statement emphasizing British bravery and aligning with their contributions in Afghanistan. He stated: The great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America. His comments, however, did not acknowledge other NATO allies who contributed troops. Leaders across the globe expressed discontent with Trump's initial statement, reinforcing the sacrifices made by their own soldiers in the historic conflict.
