24-01-2026

Trump's NATO Troops Remarks Spark Outrage

Date: 24-01-2026
Sources: bbc.com: 2 | cbsnews.com: 1 | edition.cnn.com: 1 | news.sky.com: 3
Image for cluster 9
Image Prompt:

International leaders and veterans protesting outside a diplomatic meeting, documentary photography with a wide-angle lens capturing the diversity of the crowd, overcast sky with dramatic shadows, conveying a sense of outrage and unity among the protestors, professional photojournalism style, shot with a 24mm lens to emphasize the emotional intensity.

Summary

Former US President Donald Trump's comments dismissing the sacrifices of NATO allies in Afghanistan have sparked widespread outrage and criticism from international leaders, veterans, and families of the fallen. Trump's remarks were deemed 'insulting', 'appalling', and 'outrageous' by many, who felt they were inaccurate and disrespectful to the troops who served and died in the conflict.

Key Points

  • Trump's comments criticized by international leaders and veterans
  • NATO allies felt their sacrifices were disrespected
  • UK, Canada, and other countries defended their troops' contributions

Articles in this Cluster

Frank Gardner: Not only Americans risked life and limb to serve in Afghanistan

The article by Frank Gardner, BBC Security Correspondent, reflects on the 20-year conflict in Afghanistan, highlighting the contributions and sacrifices of thousands of servicemen and women from dozens of countries, not just Americans. It recounts the initial US-led 'Operation Enduring Freedom' post-9/11, the involvement of various nations, and the challenges faced, including Taliban attacks and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The article criticizes recent comments by US President Donald Trump suggesting that NATO troops avoided front-line combat, emphasizing the bravery and sacrifices of troops from various countries, including the UK, Canada, Denmark, and Estonia, as well as Afghan forces.
Entities: Frank Gardner, Afghanistan, Nato, US, AmericaTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Prince Harry says sacrifices by Nato troops in Afghanistan deserve 'respect'

Prince Harry has condemned US President Donald Trump's comments that Nato troops stayed 'a little back' from the front lines in Afghanistan, saying their sacrifices deserve 'respect'. Trump faced widespread criticism from international leaders and veterans after his interview on Fox News. Prince Harry, who served in Afghanistan twice, paid tribute to the 457 UK service personnel killed in the conflict. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also rebuked Trump, calling his remarks 'insulting and frankly appalling'. Other leaders, including Poland's foreign minister and Canada's defence minister, criticised Trump's comments, with some calling for an apology.
Entities: Prince Harry, Donald Trump, Afghanistan, Nato, UKTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: critique

Trump leaves NATO allies "dumbfounded" and "disgusted" with remarks dismissing sacrifices in Afghanistan - CBS News

Former US President Donald Trump's remarks dismissing the sacrifices of NATO allies in Afghanistan have sparked outrage among European military veterans, politicians, and families of the fallen. Trump claimed that the US had 'never needed' its NATO allies and that allied troops had stayed 'a little off the front lines' during the 20-year war. UK officials, including Minister of the Armed Forces Alistair Carns and former head of the British Army Lord Richard Dannatt, strongly condemned Trump's comments, calling them 'insulting', 'appalling', and 'outrageous'. The remarks have strained relations between the US and its NATO allies, with many calling for an apology.
Entities: Donald Trump, NATO, Afghanistan, United States, United KingdomTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Outrage at Trump’s swipe at the sacrifice from NATO allies in Afghanistan | CNNClose iconClose iconClose icon

The article discusses the outrage among NATO allies and politicians following a comment made by former US President Trump criticizing the sacrifices made by NATO troops in Afghanistan. The article features a video clip of CNN's Jake Tapper discussing the issue and the reaction from various politicians and officials.
Entities: Trump, NATO, Afghanistan, Jake Tapper, CNNTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

British troops were in Afghanistan from start to finish - despite what Trump says | World News | Sky News

The article discusses how British troops were involved in the Afghanistan conflict from the beginning to the end, contrary to Donald Trump's claim that NATO troops stayed 'a little off the frontlines'. The article highlights Britain's significant contribution to the war effort, including the deployment of special forces and the loss of over 1,000 non-US NATO troops. It also emphasizes the close alliance between the US and the UK, with Britain supporting US policy in Afghanistan despite the challenges and controversies.
Entities: Donald Trump, Afghanistan, UK, US, NATOTone: analyticalSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

I was in Helmand with UK troops. Draft 'dodger' Trump's words are a gut punch to families of those killed | US News | Sky News

The article criticizes Donald Trump's comments that NATO troops stayed 'a little off the front lines' in Afghanistan, calling it a gut punch to the families of the 1,160 non-American coalition soldiers killed in the war. The author, who was in Helmand Province with UK troops in 2007, argues that Trump's words are disrespectful and false, and will resonate negatively with those who fought alongside American soldiers. The article highlights the sacrifices made by NATO allies, particularly the Danish, who lost more soldiers per capita than any other nation.
Entities: Donald Trump, Afghanistan, NATO, Helmand Province, UKTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: critique

'Sacrifices deserve respect': Prince Harry joins PM in criticising Trump's NATO troops remark | UK News | Sky News

Prince Harry has joined UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in criticizing Donald Trump's recent comments that British and NATO troops were not on the frontline in Afghanistan. Prince Harry, who served two tours in Afghanistan, stated that British sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect. Trump's comments were widely condemned by veterans, families of the fallen, and politicians across the UK, who felt his remarks were insulting and inaccurate. The UK suffered 457 military deaths in Afghanistan, with many more wounded. Trump's comments were seen as a gut punch to the families of the fallen and the thousands who were wounded.
Entities: Prince Harry, Donald Trump, Sir Keir Starmer, Afghanistan, NATOTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: critique