Trump SLAMS NATO!

Trump’s recent statements questioning NATO allies’ military contributions in Afghanistan have sparked a wave of condemnation from British leaders and veterans.

Story Highlights

Trump claims NATO troops “stayed a little back” during Afghanistan conflict.
British leaders, including PM Starmer, label remarks “insulting.”
Unified cross-party response refutes Trump’s assertions.
Prince Harry defends UK military honor, citing Article 5.
Potential diplomatic strain between US and UK.

Trump’s Controversial Remarks

During a Fox News interview on January 22, 2026, President Donald Trump questioned the role of NATO troops, including British forces, in Afghanistan. He claimed they “stayed a little back” and remained “a little off the front lines,” suggesting their involvement was minimal. These remarks ignited widespread outrage among UK politicians, military officials, and veterans, who have since united to refute his claims.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer responded swiftly, describing Trump’s comments as “insulting and frankly appalling.” Starmer emphasized the significant sacrifices made by British forces, who suffered the second-highest casualties after the US in the Afghanistan conflict. His condemnation was part of a rare cross-party agreement in the UK, highlighting the unified stance against Trump’s assertions.

UK Leaders Defend Military Contributions

Military officials and veterans have also voiced their disapproval. Armed Forces Minister Alistair Carns, who served five tours in Afghanistan, labeled Trump’s remarks “utterly ridiculous.” He provided video evidence of British troops on the front lines, directly contradicting the President’s claims. Prince Harry, a veteran of two Afghanistan tours, highlighted NATO’s invocation of Article 5, which legally obligated allies to support the US following the 9/11 attacks.

The UK political landscape has seen a rare moment of unity, with figures such as Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK’s Nigel Farage denouncing Trump’s statements. Despite political differences, they collectively reaffirmed the bravery and dedication of British troops, insisting they fought and died alongside American forces for two decades.

Implications for US-UK Relations

The controversy may have broader implications for diplomatic relations between the US and UK. While Prime Minister Starmer has emphasized maintaining a strong partnership, the incident has the potential to strain ties. The unified condemnation from British leaders underscores the importance of accurately recognizing historical military contributions and maintaining trust among allies.

This episode also raises questions about the long-term impact on NATO cohesion and the reliability of US security commitments. As the situation develops, it remains crucial for both nations to address these issues diplomatically and continue honoring the sacrifices of their service members.