Veterans from several NATO countries have strongly criticized US President Donald Trump over remarks questioning their role in Afghanistan. They argue his comments undermine the sacrifices made alongside American forces during two decades of war.
Trump stated that allied forces stayed “a little off the front lines” in Afghanistan. However, European veterans say hundreds of their comrades died during frontline operations. As a result, the remarks have triggered outrage across allied capitals.
Leaders Say NATO Troops Paid a Heavy Price
Senior political figures also joined the criticism. British officials said the comments wrongly diminished NATO’s contribution during the Afghanistan mission. They stressed that allied troops fought, bled, and died alongside US soldiers.
Veterans emphasized that the alliance’s sacrifices were shared. According to them, operations were conducted jointly, often under extreme danger. Therefore, any suggestion of limited involvement was described as deeply inaccurate.
“A Red Line Was Crossed,” Veterans Say
Several former commanders said Trump crossed a red line by questioning allied commitment. They stressed that NATO forces paid in blood for the alliance. Many soldiers never returned home from Afghanistan.
Former military leaders acknowledged debates over NATO defense spending. However, they rejected any attempt to rewrite battlefield realities. They argued that courage and sacrifice cannot be measured by political rhetoric.
Article 5 and the Afghan Mission
NATO’s collective defense clause, known as Article 5, was invoked after the September 11 attacks. Following that decision, European allies joined the US-led mission in Afghanistan.
Troops from Britain, Canada, France, Poland, and Denmark played active combat roles. Denmark, in particular, suffered one of the highest per-capita casualty rates among NATO members.
Growing Strain Within the Alliance
Trump’s remarks come amid already strained relations with European allies. Tensions have also increased due to disagreements over security responsibilities and strategic priorities. Consequently, the comments risk further damaging transatlantic trust.
Veterans and officials warned that unity within NATO depends on mutual respect. They argued that acknowledging shared sacrifice is essential for the alliance’s future credibility.
Calls for Respect and Accountability
Many veterans called for an apology. They said honoring the fallen is a moral obligation, not a political choice. Meanwhile, allied governments reaffirmed their commitment to NATO cooperation.
Despite disagreements, leaders stressed that the alliance remains vital. They warned that dismissing past sacrifices could weaken future collective security efforts.
