Sir Rod Stewart has added his voice to the growing condemnation of US President Donald Trump's controversial remarks about allied forces in Afghanistan, issuing a direct plea to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for intervention.
A Rock Star's Outrage
The legendary Maggie May singer, who once counted Trump as a Florida neighbour, took to Instagram to express his profound disappointment with the American leader's comments, which he described as 'unbearable' and deeply hurtful. Despite their past friendship, Stewart did not mince words in his criticism of the president.
'I may just be a humble rock star, but I'm also a Knight of the realm, and I have my opinions,' Stewart declared in his social media post. 'I was born just after the war, and I have great respect for our armed forces that fought and gave us our freedom.'
The 'Draft Dodger' Accusation
Stewart specifically targeted Trump with the 'draft dodger' label, referencing the president's avoidance of military service during the Vietnam War era. Historical records from US archives confirm that Trump received multiple deferments during his college years, followed by a medical exemption citing bone spurs in his heels after graduation.
The singer's anger stems from Trump's recent Fox News interview where the president suggested America 'never needed' its NATO partners and implied allied troops had 'stayed a little back' during conflicts. 'We lost over 400 of our guys,' Stewart emphasised. 'Think of their parents. Think about it. And Trump calls them almost like cowards? It's unbearable.'
Political Pressure Mounts
Prime Minister Starmer had already described Trump's comments as 'insulting and frankly appalling' and raised the matter directly with the US president during discussions on Saturday. Stewart's public intervention adds significant cultural weight to the diplomatic pressure.
'So I'm calling on you, Prime Minister Starmer, please make the draft dodger Trump apologise. Please,' the rock icon implored in his message, creating an unusual intersection of celebrity influence and international diplomacy.
Military Connections and Context
While Stewart himself was too young for national service, having been born in 1945, he comes from a family with strong military connections. His father, Robert Stewart, served as an Air Raid Precautions officer during the Second World War, a role the singer has described as involving rescue work at bomb sites and hospitals.
Stewart's commitment to military causes is well-documented. Last year, he performed at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance and has been an outspoken supporter of armed forces personnel throughout his career.
Trump's Response and Aftermath
Following his conversation with Starmer, Trump posted on social media attempting to clarify his position, though stopping short of a direct apology. 'The great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America!' he wrote, acknowledging that 457 British personnel died in Afghanistan with many more injured.
The president described these troops as 'among the greatest of all warriors' and emphasised the 'bond too strong to ever be broken' between the two nations' militaries. However, the damage from his original comments appears to have been done, with Stewart's intervention highlighting how deeply they have resonated beyond political circles.
The controversy has reignited discussions about Trump's own military service history, with previous reports suggesting his medical exemption was arranged as a favour to his property developer father. This historical context adds layers to Stewart's 'draft dodger' characterisation and the current diplomatic tensions.
