Trump Retracts Claim on UK Troops’ Afghanistan Role Amid Backlash

US President Donald Trump has walked back his recent statements about British and other NATO soldiers in Afghanistan. In a social media post on Saturday, he praised the 'great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom' who fought alongside American forces. This came after widespread anger in the UK over his earlier Fox News interview where he said NATO allies 'stayed a little off the front lines' during the war.

Background

The row started earlier this week when Trump spoke on Fox News about NATO partners during the Afghanistan conflict. He said the US had 'never needed' its allies and suggested they kept their troops back from the heaviest fighting. This drew quick fire from British leaders and veterans who pointed out that 457 UK service members died in Afghanistan. Many more came home with serious injuries.

The war in Afghanistan lasted from 2001 to 2021. It began after the 9/11 attacks on the US. NATO allies, including the UK, joined the US under the alliance's mutual defense pact. British forces served in tough spots like Helmand province, facing roadside bombs, ambushes, and fierce Taliban attacks. Prince Harry, who did two tours there as an Apache helicopter pilot gunner, lost friends in the fighting.

Trump's words hit a nerve because they seemed to downplay these losses. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the remarks 'insulting and frankly appalling.' He spoke directly to Trump about it in a phone call on Saturday afternoon. Starmer told the president about the British and American soldiers who fought side by side and stressed that their sacrifices must not be forgotten.

Veterans and families of the fallen added their voices. Lucy Aldridge, whose son William was killed at age 18, said Trump's comments showed 'no compassion whatsoever' for those who do not serve him. Armed forces minister Al Carns, who did five tours in Afghanistan as a commando, called the claims 'ridiculous.'

Key Details

Trump's original comments came in an interview where he also questioned if NATO allies would help the US if needed. He noted that the US invoked NATO's Article 5 only once, after 9/11, but said America had carried the load alone. Critics highlighted that non-US coalition forces suffered over 1,000 deaths in total during the war.

Reactions from UK Leaders

Figures across politics condemned Trump. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said it was 'complete nonsense' to question British troops' role and a 'disgrace' to their memory. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey asked 'how dare' Trump challenge the sacrifices, noting Trump's own draft avoidance five times during the Vietnam era.

Prince Harry issued a statement saying the sacrifices of those who fought and died 'deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect.' Downing Street backed this up, saying Trump was wrong to diminish NATO troops' contributions.

After the backlash, Trump posted on social media: > 'The great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America… In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors. It's a bond too strong to ever be broken. The UK military, with tremendous heart and soul, is second to none (except for the USA). We love you all, and always will! President Donald J Trump.'

Badenoch responded positively, saying she was pleased Trump now acknowledged British forces' role. 'It should never have been questioned in the first place,' she added.

A Number 10 spokesperson confirmed Starmer's call with Trump focused on honoring those who died. The White House deputy press secretary later said Trump was correct to note America's larger NATO role but did not address the UK outrage directly.

What This Means

This episode highlights ongoing tensions in US-UK relations under Trump's leadership. The two countries have long shared close military ties, especially through NATO. Trump's praise may help smooth things over, but the initial comments reopened wounds from the Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021, which left many veterans feeling their service was in vain.

For British troops and families, recognition matters. The 457 deaths represent real lives from small towns across the UK. Events like commemorations at the National Memorial Arboretum keep these stories alive. Trump's reversal shows how public pressure can shift rhetoric fast.

NATO faces questions too. Trump has pushed allies to spend more on defense, and his words feed doubts about alliance unity. Starmer's direct approach sets a tone for dealing with such issues. Veterans groups say the focus should stay on shared sacrifices, not division.

The phone call between the leaders could lead to more talks. Both sides value the partnership, built on years of joint operations from World War II to today. Families like the Aldridges hope leaders remember the human cost amid any political rows.

Trump's post ends on a note of unity, calling the US-UK military bond unbreakable. Whether this quiets the furor remains to be seen. UK politicians and veterans will watch for actions that back up the words.