Trump praises British troops after drawing outrage at comments downplaying NATO’s role in Afghanistan

U.S. President Donald Trump has lauded British soldiers in an apparent effort to mend fences after provoking international fury with comments that downplayed the role of NATO allies in the Afghanistan war. His social media praise for U.K. troops came just hours after a tense phone call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had earlier labeled Trump’s remarks ‘insulting and frankly appalling.’ The controversy erupted when Trump, in a Thursday interview with Fox Business, asserted that NATO forces had stayed ‘a little off the front lines’ during the conflict in Afghanistan. This characterization immediately drew sharp rebukes from European leaders and military families, particularly in the United Kingdom, where 457 service members lost their lives in the two-decade war. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded on Friday by calling for an apology, stating that if he had made such statements, he would ‘certainly apologise.’ By Saturday, Trump took to Truth Social to post a message extolling the bravery of British soldiers, acknowledging their sacrifices and describing them as ‘among the greatest of all warriors.’ He wrote, ‘The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America!’ and emphasized an unbreakable bond between the two nations’ militaries. This olive branch followed a scheduled call between Trump and Starmer, during which the prime minister raised the issue of honoring the fallen troops from both countries. The backlash was not confined to the U.K.; other NATO allies expressed dismay at Trump’s initial comments. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, typically a Trump supporter, called the statements ‘unacceptable’ and emphasized that friendship requires respect. Similarly, Danish officials and veterans felt betrayed, especially in light of Trump’s recent threats regarding Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory. French and Polish leaders also voiced concerns, highlighting the solidarity expected within the alliance. Prince Harry, who served two tours in Afghanistan, added his voice to the criticism, noting through a spokesperson that the sacrifices of NATO troops ‘deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect.’ His intervention underscored the personal stakes for many military families and veterans who felt diminished by Trump’s remarks. The royal’s comments resonated widely, given his firsthand experience in the conflict. The incident has strained U.S.-U.K. relations at a sensitive time, with both countries navigating post-Brexit dynamics and shared security interests. Trump’s praise for British troops, while welcomed by some, has done little to quell the underlying anger over his dismissal of allied contributions. Diplomatic sources indicate that the episode may have lingering effects on trust within NATO, particularly as the alliance faces new challenges in regions like the Arctic. Looking ahead, the White House has stood by Trump’s sentiments, with a spokesperson reiterating that the U.S. has done more for NATO than any other member. However, the widespread condemnation suggests that mending fences will require more than social media gestures. Starmer and Trump agreed to speak again soon, but the fallout serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of international alliances in an era of unpredictable diplomacy. In conclusion, Trump’s attempt to backtrack has highlighted deep-seated tensions over historical military sacrifices and the future of transatlantic cooperation. As NATO members reassess their commitments, this controversy may influence upcoming diplomatic engagements and strategic discussions.