Trump's remarks on NATO allies spark controversy

US President Donald Trump praised UK soldiers who fought in Afghanistan, calling them 'among the greatest of all warriors' on his Truth Social platform. This comes after his earlier comments that Nato troops avoided the front lines, which sparked widespread criticism from veterans, politicians, and international allies. Trump's initial remarks were seen as insulting and appalling, with many calling for an apology. The UK Prime Minister spoke to Trump, after which he posted new comments praising UK troops. However, he stopped short of directly apologizing for his earlier words. The controversy highlights the strong reactions to Trump's comments on international military cooperation and the sacrifices made by troops from various countries.

European military veterans, families of the fallen, and politicians have voiced outrage after President Trump claimed the U.S. had 'never needed' its NATO allies, and that allied troops had stayed 'a little off the front lines' during the 20-year war in Afghanistan. The U.K. government's Minister of the Armed Forces, Alistair Carns, responded to Trump's remarks, stating that NATO allies had shed 'blood, sweat and tears together' and that the bonds formed were 'forged in fire.' U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Trump's comments 'insulting and frankly appalling,' and demanded an apology. Other NATO allies, including Poland and Denmark, also condemned Trump's remarks. The White House defended Trump's comments, stating that America's contributions to NATO dwarf those of other countries.

Donald Trump has praised British soldiers who served in Afghanistan, calling them 'very brave' and acknowledging the sacrifices made during the conflict. This comes after Trump faced criticism for his earlier comments suggesting that non-US NATO troops, including those from the UK, had stayed back from the frontlines in Afghanistan. The UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and Prince Harry had criticized Trump's remarks, with Starmer saying they were 'insulting and frankly appalling'. Trump's subsequent praise on social media was seen as a U-turn, with Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch welcoming his acknowledgement of the role of British armed forces.