(Based on BBC News report)
US President Donald Trump sparked strong criticism from British and European leaders after claiming that NATO troops “stayed a little off the front lines” during the Afghanistan war. Trump made the comments during a recent interview on Fox News, where he questioned the reliability of NATO allies in future conflicts, saying he was “not sure” they would come to the US’s aid if needed.(Sky News)
The remarks immediately drew backlash from senior UK politicians and military figures who served in Afghanistan. Stephen Kinnock, a UK government minister, described Trump’s claim as “deeply disappointing” and insisted that British and other NATO forces fought and died alongside American troops. The UK suffered significant losses in Afghanistan, with 457 British service personnel killed.(Politics Home)
Emily Thornberry, chair of the UK’s Foreign Affairs Select Committee, called Trump’s comments an “absolute insult” to the soldiers who served on the front lines. Other MPs stressed that NATO allies have long shared combat duties and sacrifices in joint missions, dismissing Trump’s description as inaccurate and disrespectful.(Politics Home)
The controversy comes amid ongoing tensions between Trump’s administration and traditional European partners, especially related to defence and strategic cooperation. NATO’s collective defence principle—Article 5—was invoked only once, after the 9/11 attacks, leading to allied support in Afghanistan. Many critics argue Trump’s statement undermines decades of shared military cooperation and sacrifice.(Sky News)
