Trump's Controversial Remarks on NATO Troops Spark Outrage in the UK

Tue Feb 03 2026 15:55:57 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Donald Trump faces backlash from UK leaders after claiming NATO troops were not on the front lines in Afghanistan, drawing criticism from politicians and veterans alike.

Former President Donald Trump's recent comments about NATO troops in Afghanistan have ignited a wave of condemnation in the UK. He stated that NATO forces stayed 'a little off the front lines', which prompted strong reactions from prominent politicians, including Labour MP Emily Thornberry, who labeled his remarks as an 'absolute insult' to British service members. The comments come as questions about NATO's role are being scrutinized, with MPs emphasizing the sacrifices made by soldiers during the war in Afghanistan.

Donald Trump has sparked fresh outrage in the UK after saying NATO troops stayed a little off the front lines during the war in Afghanistan.

Labour MP Emily Thornberry, the chair of the foreign affairs committee, called it an absolute insult to the 457 British service personnel killed in the conflict, while Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: How dare he question their sacrifice?

Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty, who served in Afghanistan, said it was sad to see our nation's sacrifice, and that of our NATO partners, held so cheaply. The UK was among several allies to join the US in Afghanistan from 2001, after it invoked NATO's collective security clause following the 9/11 terror attacks.

The US president told Fox News on Thursday that he was not sure the military alliance would be there for America if we ever needed them. We've never needed them, he said, adding: We have never really asked anything of them.

Thornberry told the BBC's Question Time that the remarks were much more than a mistake. It's an absolute insult... How dare he say we weren't on the front line, how dare he? she said. She emphasized that the UK has always been there whenever the Americans have needed them.

Meanwhile, Sir Ed wrote on social media that Trump had avoided military service, questioning his right to comment on the sacrifices made by service personnel.

Calvin Bailey, a Labour MP and former RAF officer who served alongside US special operations units, said Trump's claims bore no resemblance to the reality experienced by those of us who served there.

The BBC approached the Ministry of Defence for comment, which highlighted comments made by Defence Secretary John Healey emphasizing the unity and sacrifices of NATO forces in Afghanistan.

The US invasion commenced in October 2001 to oust the Taliban, and NATO nations contributed troops and resources, with over 3,500 coalition soldiers having died by the time the US withdrew in 2021.