US President Donald Trump has publicly praised British troops who served in Afghanistan after his earlier comments about NATO forces triggered strong criticism from veterans, politicians and military families.
Speaking earlier this week, Trump suggested that allied forces had played a limited role during the Afghanistan campaign, claiming NATO troops had remained away from the front lines. The remarks prompted anger across several allied nations, including the UK, where senior political figures described the comments as deeply offensive.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer raised the issue directly with the US president during a phone call on Saturday, according to Downing Street. Following that conversation, Trump issued a statement praising British service personnel and acknowledging their sacrifices during the conflict. In a post published on his Truth Social platform, Trump said British soldiers who fought in Afghanistan were “among the greatest of all warriors”, adding that the bond between the two countries’ armed forces was “too strong to ever be broken.”
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! President DONALD J. TRUMP”
Trump’s comments appeared to soften his earlier remarks, though he did not issue a formal apology. Earlier in the week, the president had said of NATO allies: “They’ll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines.” He also questioned whether the alliance would support the United States if it faced a future crisis. Those remarks prompted a swift backlash. Veterans groups and serving personnel highlighted the scale of allied involvement in Afghanistan, where NATO invoked Article 5 for the first and only time following the 11 September 2001 attacks on the United States.
The UK suffered the second-highest number of military fatalities in the conflict after the United States, with 457 British service personnel killed during operations. More than 3,500 coalition troops died overall before the US-led withdrawal in 2021. Downing Street confirmed that Sir Keir Starmer used his call with Trump to make clear the shared sacrifices made by British and American forces.
Empty Words from a disgusting man.
Does he even read his shit back? “Second to none EXCEPT THE USA” is second to someone.
No apology and no mention of other NATO forces that served in Afghanistan, trump is a twat
Every time I look at its face I want to throw up. Disgusting, vile, repulsive imbecile. Sooner it’s thrown in prison the better.
Trump is arguably the most unpleasant person in American history; fragile, iealous, petty and greedy, an unforgiving narcissist; a vindictive ethnic cleanser; a misogynistic; homophobic racist; a serial liar, a serial predator and proud of it, an Islamophobic, sociopathic, megalomaniacal, demagogue, a capricious bully and self-serving repulsive con artist without a shred of conscience. And a sex predator and convicted criminal.
I don’t see the issue? Trump waffle on without a script, a speech writer or probably much thought! It’s just words, and while what he said initially was incorrect, he was correct in regards to a few European countries who ensured they would only deploy in certain less kinetic operational areas. I’m glad he has apologised, and stated that the Brits are some of the best warriors (slight correction it’s THE best, and er maybe the Danes and the Estonian lads but shhhhhhh don’t tell them I said so) but I’m quite disappointed with all the false outrage from our politicians and media! I don’t care what he said and know the truth, a truth which is easily and quickly forgotten by our elected heads and the population in general! I can and do sympathise with the families of the boys who didn’t make it (one family I’m still very close to) but come on, get off the bandwagon and let’s challenge these clowns in charge, right now, about the legacy act and stop letting Stazi Starmer use this as a diversion !!!!!!!!
If you don’t see the issue, that says a lot about you.
Tell you what, I will make that decision and if you cannot understand that then it says a lot about you. More false outrage yes!
False outrage, you sir are a clown!
Your reply tells me and everyone else about you!
Airborne was there, and did his bit, that says plenty about him by my book.
No clown, just a vet with an opinion and a certain blunt way with words, he says it as he sees it.
All power to him by me.
I do recall that some NATO nations there had differing ROE, so he probably meant that. However,
he has a big mouth, and opens it seemingly on a whim without any advisors suggesting he do otherwise. Not a statesmen at all, and I think this time he’s really pissed off a lot of people, rightly.
Us Brits I believe where in from the early days alongside the CIA SAD teams with the Northern Alliance, and Helmand after was hardly a quiet backwater. He should know that.
On Starmer, I support him for vocally rebuking Trump, but at the same time, he’s happy to drag vets through the courts, so I at least see the two faced side of things and the PR value in this for him.
Agreed mate, I say this often, he doesn’t seem to have a speech writer (a good thing for some people) and he seems to talk without thinking! He is a businessman snd certainly not a statesman! Yes mate the Brits were there in small numbers in 2001 as the Northern Alliance took the ground prior to Xmas as the US bombed the Talibs, and we sent out first formed units in 2002 to Kabul!
I have to say that while I think the orange man is wrong, he is not totally wrong regarding some NATO forces, as politics dictated their rules of engagement and locations to operate. My main concern is the disrespect to the UK lads who got killed and injured and the disrespect towards the families. But in the same vein the false outrage shown by many in the establishment, in order to score political points (and some on here) is quite sad and turns my stomach. Cheers mate.
Your alleged distaste of ‘false outrage’ and ‘political points-[scoring]’ is hypocritical in the face of your ‘Stazi-Starmer’ comments above.
Yeah cheers! If you cannot see the false outrage from an organisation that votes to remove the protections of the legacy act, for NI vets, then gives it big licks about the orange man’s comments, then that’s up to you. Not overly concerned what you think, cheers.
What makes the outrage towards Trump any less false than that directed towards Starmer? If you’re unable to see the reasons behind the global disgust towards the 47th POTUS, I think you might benefit from a broader media diet.
Just to consolidate, you are defending an administration that has:
– Twice questioned the credibility of allied contributions to the American-led GWOT
– Openly threated the invasion and annexation of two NATO allied nations
– Repeatedly disqualified Ukraine and Europe from negotiations to end a war taking place primarily in Ukraine and Europe, whilst expecting Europe to shoulder the fiscal burden of the outcome of said negotiations
– Threatened global economic warfare on a variety of occasions
– Collaborated with oligarchs engaged in the influencing of the elections of multiple European elections
There’s many more incidents that I could mention.
I’d appreciate an explanation as to why, considering the above list, you believe outrage expressed towards Trump is performative.
Add in the fact that Trump’s words carry weight in America and represent a anti-NATO narrative he is actively spinning. You can personally not care about the Bonespur cowards words and not be offended by them, but you can’t pretend that it’s not a deliberate attempt to frame NATO, and by extension the UK as having not come to the US’s aid and furthering the NATO is useless to America narrative.
Sigh…..ok I will give you a moment! Firstly Trump is not our PM! Secondly you’re jumping on the wrong bandwagon pal, my distaste is for Starmer and the false outrage from Starmer and his hangers on, about what the orange clown said about UK forces. Starmer read the room (slowly) and saw an opportunity, only a few days after screwing over NI vets! And where have I defended his administration? Too many posters on here jump down others throats for opinions they have, and perceive various shite according to their own echo chambers expectations and it is very repetitive and quite boring. And my media diet is quite central and inclusive thanks for your concern. This reply is because you came across quite polite but be aware I don’t ever have to give explanations for any opinion I have. Now it’s late, some of us work, sleepy time, cheers.
‘I do recall that some NATO nations there had differing ROE, so he probably meant that.’
With respect DM, I’m going to call bullshit there. I don’t believe for a second that ROE ever wafted through Trump’s head when making those statements. It’s far, far more likely that they were a blatant attempt to twist the truth for political purchase on the crumbling mountain of his presidency, which were soon retracted when he was informed (not realised for himself) of the the backlash.
You might be right Leh, we shall never know.
Some part of me would love to read a memoir from Trump. I’d love a more detailed understanding of his own perceptions of these issues.
I don’t think Dementia Donnie is physically capable of writing a memoir, and as a pathological liar and narcissist you’d never be able to believe anything in it even if he did write one.
The problem is that for a man entrusted, largely, with the fate of the Western world to be that ignorant about modern history and plain rude bodes very badly. A broken clock is right twice a day and while he has hit on the right ideas re Chagos and NATO spending Trump seems largely to believe what he has been told or read about in the last 24 hours. If there was a sensible group of advisors around him that wouldn’t be too bad but his arrogance has led him to surround himself with people who either echo back whatever he says or hold positions more erratic than even his own.
He is also almost entirely concerned with his personal image and wealth and some of his actions are blatantly corrupt, which doesn’t help either when combined with his other traits.
Agreed, when you have the top job, on the planet, no matter your ilk you need decent and reasonable advisors who actually advise, and also to be able to listen to them, but in both cases this is not happening mate!
I agree! Not great for the supposed leader of the western world.
He probably thinks Afghanistan has penguins.
Too little too late from this coward. Also interesting to see that his Poodle Farage has been silent during all this.
Think he put out a statement of “Trump is wrong on this” and that was it entirely. Too busy grifting.
You know it’s a poor showing when Starmer has a stronger stance on an issue. If Farage wants to be taken seriously across the political spectrum, there needed to be a more aggressive rhetoric.
It would appear you’re more interested in political point scoring than the opinions and concerns of the people who were there! Farage has already disagreed wiry Trump but that fact may not equate with your echo chamber.
Prove it where his grifting Poodle said he should apologise?
Are you ok? Read your own comment once more and try to observe where you even said that you expect Farage to apologise, then froth and give it big licks with me about proving something you did not ask! Give yourself a tea break.
Are you ok? Drinking all that MAGA cool aid isn’t good for you. The fact you still support this orange megalomaniac is astonishing.
Firstly, I see you ignore the content and request in my reply to you, and secondly please find any post where I said I support the orange man? You do need to take notice and understand the information given to you prior to going on a political oriented froth! More false outrage yes?
I’d recommend you take more or less of what you are on.
I see you now are ignoring everything you are asked to justify! Keyboard commando, Mitty special, jog on as you are now embarrassing yourself. Good lad.
Not correct.
Sky and the BBC, amazingly, all reported Farage’s responses like the leaders of all other parties. He said Trump was wrong. So he was not silent.
Feel free to share it Daniele? Are you still a Farage supporter?
Try using Google, it’s not up to everyone else to educate you. I detest farage but it doesn’t change the fact he was reported on multiple sites saying trump was wrong.
Very much so, for his and my sins, as I voted to leave in 2016.
I’m certainly not supporting the Conservatives, or Labour, both of whom as far as I’m concerned have had their time, or the Lib Dems, so where do I go? The Greens?!! Monster Raving Loonies? Maybe a new “defence party”
But all that is irrelevant, but if you want to try to deflect, if that was your aim by supposedly “outing me” then that shit won’t wash with me. I don’t need to explain my views.
There are things I agree with Trump on, and PLENTY where I think he’s an absolute tosspot!! Such as this.
And the same with Farage, Several things I disagree with him on as well, regards the environment and foxhunting especially.
And you know what, I agreed with Corbyn about plenty! A far left type who I saw as a danger to this country.
But, please don’t change the subject. You originally said Farage “had been silent” and I replied that is not so.
Whoever I support is irrelevant. If a comment is wrong, it is wrong.
I definitely agree the 2 main parties have had their day, but Reform isn’t the answer. Especially, since they’re now filling their ranks with Conservatives. TBH I probably waste my vote on an independent if there was an election tomorrow. Anyway apologies if I came off as ill mannered towards you.
Yes! I’m not impressed with that either.
Patrick, says a lot about you that you apologised, fair one.
But, there was really no need, we’re cool. 🙂
Now you your giving big licks to the most reasonable and knowledgeable bloke on here. You do need to tone it down and use this amazing thing called the internet go do some research and stay off the dark web! As it is you are now showing yourself just to be a troll.
I would agree with you, but then we’d both be wrong.
More fluff and chuff! More false outrage Mitty!
There is some truth in what Trump said, although it was a poorly made point coming from him!
I spent over three years in Afghanistan and have a pretty clear view of who did and didn’t do what. Lessons need to be learnt, especially around how we commit to the ‘coalition of the willing’.
Much of the Afghanistan argument comes down to national caveats. Some NATO countries deployed troops but restricted how they could fight. Germany, Spain, Italy and Turkey all imposed limits at various points, things like operating only in certain regions, no night ops, or rules that confined troops largely to self-defence. In practice, this kept them away from the heaviest fighting and tucked away at Camp Bastion.
Others operated with few or no caveats. The UK, US, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands and Estonia were involved in sustained front-line combat and took serious casualties.
That difference was not about the soldiers. It was the result of political decisions made back home. Lumping all NATO countries together as if they fought the same war is where the argument falls apart, and we need to remember this when talking about countries ‘committing’ to sending troops to Ukraine.
Agreed, but the amount of false outrage from people who were not there and don’t give a flying fuck makes me puke a little! The orange man’s comment was a disrespect and ill informed which would hit the families of the lads who didn’t make it back mostly. Those are the people who deserve an apology, and a statement (which he has now put out) understanding the sacrifice their loved ones gave. It’s about the lads and the families, not the politicians and the media outlets who have an agenda to push! 👍
“That difference was not about the soldiers. It was the result of political decisions made back home.”
Most NATO soldiers, from the serious countries, are very, very good.
And, a certain extent, the issue around RoEs and how that limited kinetic activity. There is an argument that UK forces were considerable hampered by this and it lead to a perception of weakness.
I found 2006 to be pretty RoE free after we moved into Sangin, not very productive but necessary. Agreed, pretty much all the other blokes from NATO I worked with were on the top of their game! (Even in 2001 the Bulgarian Bath and Laundry unit at the bus depot were top notch) 👍
Sorry 2002 😵💫
Well said.
And thanks for revealing your background.
Respect.
Anything coming from the mouth of this vile sack of shit is worthless.
Starmer? Yes agreed 🤣
If there is a silver lining to this, it seems that the risk of the UK getting properly angry at the US and severing ties in some way was considered grave enough for Trump to reverse his position and make a special announcement for us.
It reveals a level of respect and esteem (at least for what they would lose if we split) that I didn’t think was there in either Trump or his close circle.
Perhaps. I agree that this incident shows that sufficient public pressure can lead to political retractions in the USA. However, I don’t assume that’ll apply across all issues. American cultural perceptions of their military are generally more positive and nationalistic than those in the UK, and the chronology of the issue, with the GWOT being within living memory of various British and American veterans, means there will be disproportionate outcry in response to controversies relating to matters of the military personnel.
On the other hand, matters outside of that narrow field, such as aggression towards Greenland, the deadly tactics of immigration enforcement, the kidnapping and detention of foreign statesmen, et cetera, will not elicit the same united condemnation.
So, I’d conclude that this climb-down was not indicative of British influence in America, but rather the remaining American cultural devotion to the glorification of the GWOT.
At the end of the day, the war in Afghanistan was pointless and the guys that fought there are now damaged Reform voters.
When did we lose the ability as a society to write with nuance and perception?