US President Donald Trump has praised British soldiers who died in Afghanistan, backing down after widespread condemnation of earlier remarks questioning NATO allies' combat role. The tribute came shortly after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer raised the issue in a phone call on Saturday.
Trump sparked outrage with comments in a Fox News interview suggesting Western allies would "not be there for us" if America needed them. He claimed allied troops in Afghanistan "stayed a little back, a little off the frontlines."
The remarks drew sharp criticism from Starmer, who called them «frankly appalling» and suggested Trump should apologize. A Downing Street spokesperson said the Prime Minister raised «the brave and heroic British and American soldiers who fought side by side in Afghanistan, many of whom never returned home.»
Trump's Tribute
Shortly after the call, Trump posted on Truth Social: «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 U.K. Military, with tremendous Heart and Soul, is second to none (except for the U.S.A.!). We love you all, and always will!»
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch welcomed the acknowledgment but criticized the initial comments: «I'm pleased President Trump has now acknowledged the role of the British armed forces and those brave men and women who gave their lives fighting alongside the US and our allies. It should never have been questioned in the first place.»
The war in Afghanistan was triggered by the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre, marking the only time NATO triggered Article 5, which states all members must aid another if attacked.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
