Donald Trump has publicly praised “the great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom” after retreating from comments that triggered a fierce political row over Nato’s role in Afghanistan.
The US president paid tribute to the 457 British service personnel who lost their lives in the conflict that followed the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre — the only occasion on which NATO has invoked Article 5, obliging allies to come to one another’s defence.
His remarks came after widespread condemnation, including from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who criticised Trump for claiming the alliance had never come to America’s aid.
Nato Afghanistan Row Sparks Political Fallout
Speaking earlier, Trump suggested Nato allies had failed to meaningfully support the United States, comments that were met with sharp rebukes in the UK and beyond.
He said: “We have never really asked anything of them, you know, they’ll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan, or this or that, and they did. They stayed a little back, little off the frontlines.”
Starmer described the comments as “frankly appalling” and indicated that an apology was warranted. It is understood the prime minister raised the issue directly during a phone call with Trump on Saturday.
Trump Backs Down With Praise for British Armed Forces
Shortly after that conversation, Trump issued a strongly worded statement praising the UK’s military contribution and the sacrifice of British troops in Afghanistan.
He wrote: “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!”
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Downing Street confirmed the prime minister had emphasised the shared sacrifice of British and American forces.
A spokesperson said: “The prime minister raised the brave and heroic British and American soldiers who fought side by side in Afghanistan, many of whom never returned home. We must never forget their sacrifice, he said.”
UK Politicians Welcome Acknowledgement of Sacrifice
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she was relieved to see the contribution of British forces publicly recognised.
“I’m pleased President Trump has now acknowledged the role of the British armed forces and those brave men and women who gave their lives fighting alongside the US and our allies,” she said. “It should never have been questioned in the first place.”
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