Trump Lauds 'Very Brave' UK Soldiers Amid Afghanistan Comments Backlash
Donald Trump has issued a tribute to the 'great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom' in the wake of intense criticism over his earlier inflammatory remarks regarding NATO allies' service in Afghanistan. The US president's comments had sparked widespread condemnation from political leaders and the military community across Britain.
Controversial NATO Remarks Prompt Outrage
Earlier this week, Trump suggested that NATO troops in Afghanistan 'stayed a little off the front lines', a statement that was met with fury from British veterans and officials. Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, described the remarks as 'insulting and frankly appalling' and had previously called for an apology from the US leader.
In a direct response, Trump took to Truth Social to post: '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. The U.K. Military, with tremendous Heart and Soul, is second to none (except for the U.S.A.!). We love you all, and always will!'
Political and Royal Reactions
Sir Keir Starmer engaged in a direct conversation with Trump over the weekend, raising concerns about the impact of his statements. Meanwhile, Prince Harry also weighed in, emphasising that British soldiers who served and lost their lives in Afghanistan 'deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect'.
The controversy stems from Trump's assertion: 'We've never needed them. They'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan... and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines.' This has been perceived as a slight against the sacrifices made by UK forces during the conflict.
Veterans and Families Voice Anger
British veterans who served in Afghanistan have expressed deep anger, with some labelling Trump's comments as 'a kick in the teeth'. Diane Dernie, mother of Ben Parkinson—the most severely wounded British veteran to survive the conflict—called the remarks 'the ultimate insult'.
Ben Parkinson, from Doncaster, suffered horrific injuries in 2006 when his Army Land Rover struck a roadside mine near Musa Qala. The blast resulted in both legs being amputated, a twisted spine, and brain damage. Mrs Dernie urged Sir Keir to stand up to Trump, stating: 'Come and look at us, the life that Ben leads – 19-and-a-half years on, still fighting for his care, still fighting for him to have a decent life, recovering from a recent operation. To hear this man say "oh, well, you just fannied about behind the front lines"… It's the ultimate insult.'
The backlash highlights the ongoing sensitivity surrounding military service and international alliances, with Trump's tribute attempting to mend fences after a divisive episode.
