US President Donald Trump praised British soldiers who served in Afghanistan on Saturday, calling them among the greatest warriors just days after saying allied forces stayed off the front lines. The comments came in a social media post after a phone call with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had labeled Trump's earlier words insulting.
Background
The row started on Thursday when Trump spoke to Fox Business Network at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He questioned if NATO allies would support the US in a fight and said troops from other countries, including the UK, hung back from the main action in Afghanistan. Those remarks hit hard in Britain, where 457 service members died in the 20-year war and many more came home with serious injuries.
Britain sent more than 150,000 troops to Afghanistan after the US-led invasion in October 2001. That came nearly a month after the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington, when the US went after al-Qaida and the Taliban. NATO's mutual defense rule kicked in for the first time, pulling in troops from dozens of countries. British forces took heavy losses in places like Helmand province, where they faced tough fighting against Taliban insurgents.
Trump's Davos interview touched on broader worries about NATO. He has long pushed allies to spend more on defense and meet the 2% of GDP target. The Afghanistan comments added fuel to tensions, especially as Europe deals with the war in Ukraine and security issues in the Arctic.
UK leaders from all parties spoke out fast. Veterans and families of the fallen said the words hurt deeply. Prince Harry, who served two tours in Afghanistan, said he lost friends there and that their sacrifices need honest talk with respect.
Key Details
Trump posted on Truth Social Saturday after talking with Starmer. He called the 457 British dead and the wounded 'among the greatest of all warriors.' He said the bond between US and UK militaries is unbreakable and that Britain fights with heart and soul, second only to America.
“The great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America.” – Donald Trump, Truth Social
Starmer's office at 10 Downing Street said the prime minister brought up the soldiers who fought side by side in Afghanistan during the call. They also discussed Ukraine and Arctic security. Starmer had called for an apology on Friday, saying the comments caused pain to families and the nation.
Reactions from Allies
Italy and France pushed back too. Their governments called Trump's words unacceptable. In Australia, ABC News reported anger from veterans and NATO figures. The backlash spread across Europe, with many pointing to the shared sacrifices in Afghanistan.
Trump did not take back his Davos points or say sorry directly. His praise seemed to soften the edge but left questions about his view of NATO roles. British troops were the biggest group after Americans, serving in combat units, training locals, and holding key bases.
Families of the fallen shared stories over the weekend. One mother of a soldier killed in 2009 said her son died leading his men in a patrol. Veterans groups held small gatherings in London to remember mates lost in ambushes and roadside bombs.
What This Means
The exchange shows cracks in US-UK ties at a time when both need each other. Britain relies on US support for Ukraine aid and NATO planning. Trump's words could make allies think twice about commitments. Starmer wants to keep the 'special relationship' strong, but he made clear Britain's pride in its forces.
NATO faces tests ahead. Trump has said before he might pull US troops if spending does not rise. Allies like the UK already hit the 2% mark, but others lag. The Afghanistan spat reminds everyone of the costs paid together after 9/11.
Talks between leaders go on. Starmer's team said the call was frank but positive. Trump highlighted the shared history, from World War II to now. Families hope the praise leads to real honor, like better support for wounded vets on both sides.
In Helmand, British troops held Musa Qala and Sangin, hot spots where dozens died. They trained Afghan police and army, often under fire. US and UK forces worked hand in hand, sharing intel and bases. The 457 dead include young privates and officers, from all parts of the UK.
Wounded numbers run high too. Many lost limbs or suffer PTSD. Charities help, but families say governments must do more. Trump's warriors line might boost morale, but the front-line claim still stings.
Europe watches close. France and Italy stress unity. NATO's next summit could address burdensharing. For now, the US and UK militaries train together, from exercises in Estonia to ships in the Pacific.
Starmer plans a statement Monday. Veterans want Trump to visit a memorial. The row may fade, but it lays bare old fights over who fights where. Both sides stress the alliance holds firm.
