Trump Defends UK Soldiers Amid Controversial NATO Remarks

Thu Jan 29 2026 20:14:51 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Following substantial backlash from veterans and international allies regarding his comments on NATO troops, Donald Trump praised UK soldiers for their bravery in Afghanistan.

In a recent statement, Donald Trump commended UK forces fighting in Afghanistan, calling them 'among the greatest of all warriors' after facing criticism for downplaying NATO's role. His previous comments suggesting NATO soldiers remained 'off the front lines' sparked outrage, prompting a dialogue about the sacrifices made by allied troops. UK politicians, veterans, and prominent figures have vocalized their responses, emphasizing the importance of honoring military contributions.

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 made during an interview with Fox News on Thursday in which he said of NATO troops: 'We've never needed them. We have never really asked anything of them.' He added that they 'stayed a little back, a little off the front lines.'

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

Following a conversation with the UK prime minister, Trump expressed appreciation for the sacrifices of UK troops, stating: 'In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors.' Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch remarked she was pleased Trump acknowledged the UK's role in fighting alongside NATO allies in Afghanistan.

Trump's earlier criticisms of NATO provoked responses from a range of political leaders in both the UK and abroad, reinforcing the need for mutual respect for the sacrifices made by allied forces in the conflict. As discussions on this topic continue, the depth of the bond between UK and US forces remains a focal point for many veterans and political leaders.