Trump Faces Backlash Over NATO Troops Remarks

US President Donald Trump praised UK soldiers who fought in Afghanistan, calling them 'among the greatest of all warriors', after facing criticism for his previous comments that Nato troops avoided the front lines. Trump's initial remarks sparked anger among veterans and politicians, who called for an apology. The UK Prime Minister spoke to Trump, after which he posted new comments on his Truth Social platform, praising UK troops without directly apologizing. The controversy highlights the sensitive nature of the conflict and the sacrifices made by soldiers from various countries, including the US, UK, and others.

Western allies, particularly in Europe, are bracing for the next crisis with US President Donald Trump, having learned from past experiences that candid resistance is a better approach than quiet accommodation. Trump's recent remarks on Greenland, NATO, and Afghanistan have sparked outrage and threats of retaliatory tariffs from Europe. European leaders are now focusing on building an independent Europe, with some calling for increased military capabilities and more nimble decision-making. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Europe for not showing unity and urgency in response to the transatlantic rollercoaster.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has pushed back against comments made by former US President Donald Trump regarding NATO allies' role in Afghanistan. Trump had suggested that NATO allies 'stayed a little back' from the front lines during the conflict. Meloni responded on social media, highlighting Italy's significant contribution to the NATO mission in Afghanistan, including the deployment of thousands of troops and the loss of 53 soldiers. She described Trump's comments as 'unacceptable' and emphasized the importance of respect and solidarity within the Atlantic Alliance. The exchange comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and NATO allies over issues such as defense spending and cooperation.

Donald Trump has praised British soldiers who served in Afghanistan, calling them 'very brave' and acknowledging the sacrifices they made. This comes after he faced criticism for his earlier comments suggesting that non-US troops, including those from the UK, had stayed back from the frontline in Afghanistan. Trump's initial remarks were met with outrage from UK politicians and veterans, who defended the bravery and sacrifices of British troops. The UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and Prince Harry also criticized Trump's comments, with the Prince saying that British sacrifices 'deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect'. Trump later posted on Truth Social to praise British troops, saying they 'will always be with the United States of America' and that their bond is 'too strong to ever be broken'.