Trump Acknowledges Valor of UK Soldiers After Controversial Comments on NATO

Sun Jan 25 2026 03:13:44 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a recent post on his social media platform, Donald Trump praised UK soldiers in Afghanistan as some of the greatest warriors, following backlash from his critical comments about NATO troops.

After criticism for remarks downplaying the contributions of NATO forces in Afghanistan, Donald Trump reaffirmed his respect for UK soldiers. The criticism came after he suggested they stayed 'a little off the front lines' and questioned their commitment to the military alliance. Responding to the uproar, Trump acknowledged the sacrifices of British soldiers, highlighting their bravery during the conflict. Political leaders and veterans called for greater respect for all troops who served.

Donald Trump has praised UK soldiers who fought in Afghanistan after his claim that allied forces avoided the front lines prompted criticism from veterans and politicians.

Earlier this week Trump angered US allies by downplaying the role of NATO troops in the war and doubted whether the military alliance would be there for the US if we ever needed them.

Trump's words drew condemnation from international allies, while Sir Keir Starmer called them insulting and frankly appalling.

The UK prime minister spoke to Trump on Saturday, after which the US president used his Truth Social platform to praise UK troops as being among the greatest of all warriors.

Trump was criticised for remarks he made during an interview with Fox News on Thursday in which the president said of NATO troops: We've never needed them. We have never really asked anything of them.

That triggered a huge backlash from the families of soldiers who served in Afghanistan, as well as veterans and politicians from across the Westminster and international spectrum who called for Trump to apologise.

In October 2001 the US invaded Afghanistan to oust the Taliban, whom they said were harbouring Osama Bin Laden and other al-Qaeda figures linked to the 9/11 attacks the previous month. NATO nations contributed troops and military equipment to the US-led war.

More than 3,500 coalition soldiers died, about two-thirds of them Americans, as of 2021 when the US withdrew from the country. The UK suffered the second-highest number of military deaths in the conflict behind the US, which suffered 2,461 fatalities.

Shortly after the conversation, Trump posted fresh comments on his Truth Social platform - appearing to step back from his critical comments but stopping short of directly apologising for the words he used in Thursday's interview.

He wrote: 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!

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said she was pleased Trump had acknowledged the UK's role in fighting alongside the US and NATO allies in Afghanistan.

Badenoch, Sir Ed Davey and Nigel Farage were among the Westminster leaders to call out the US president for his comments; while outside the UK, ministers from foreign governments also criticised Trump's remarks.

American political and military figures have also expressed their anger and frustration over Trump's NATO comments.