US President Donald Trump appeared to soften his stance toward Britain amid controversy over his remarks on NATO’s role in Afghanistan, praising UK soldiers as “among the greatest of all warriors.” The comments followed sharp criticism from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who described Trump’s earlier statements as “appalling.”
Earlier this week, Trump said in a Fox News interview that NATO sent “some troops” to Afghanistan but largely stayed away from frontline fighting. He also repeated his claim that the alliance would not necessarily come to the United States’ aid if requested. Those remarks triggered backlash across Europe, particularly from countries that lost soldiers during the mission.
However, on Saturday, Trump struck a different tone toward Britain. Writing on his Truth Social platform, he said the “great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom” would always stand with the United States. He noted that 457 British troops died in Afghanistan, adding that the bond forged in combat was unbreakable.
European leaders reject Trump’s narrative
Despite the olive branch to London, criticism from other European capitals intensified. The office of French President Emmanuel Macron dismissed Trump’s remarks as unacceptable and said they were not worthy of response. Instead, the statement emphasized solidarity with the families of fallen soldiers and reiterated national gratitude. According to the French government, around 90 French troops died in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, Starmer reiterated on Friday that Trump’s comments were insulting and deeply hurtful to families of those killed or wounded. In response, the White House defended Trump, arguing that the United States had contributed more to NATO than any other member combined.
Elsewhere, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani called for honoring the 53 Italian soldiers who died during the mission. Similarly, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius recalled the “heavy price” Germany paid, stressing that its forces responded when US allies requested support. He added that many veterans continue to suffer lasting physical and psychological effects.
