Donald Trump has praised UK soldiers who fought in Afghanistan after his claim that allied forces avoided the front lines prompted criticism from veterans and politicians.
Earlier this week, Trump angered US allies by downplaying the role of NATO troops in the war and doubting whether the military alliance would stand by the US if needed. His comments drew condemnation, with UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer labeling them 'insulting and frankly appalling.'
The UK Prime Minister spoke to Trump and subsequently, the US President took to his Truth Social platform, stating that UK troops are 'among the greatest of all warriors.'
Trump faced backlash after saying NATO troops had 'stayed a little back' from the fighting in Afghanistan during an interview with Fox News. This led to outrage from families of soldiers who served and called for Trump to apologize.
In response to the backlash, Trump remarked, 'the great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America,' acknowledging the loss of 457 UK soldiers in Afghanistan while emphasizing the enduring bond between the two nations.
Critics, including politicians from various parties and international allies, have noted that Trump's comments overlooked the contributions of other NATO forces. For instance, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed astonishment at Trump's remarks, highlighting Italy's losses in Afghanistan.
This ongoing dialogue underscores the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by military personnel across all nations involved in the conflict, with figures like Prince Harry speaking to the lasting impact of such sacrifices.
