LONDON — A wave of anger erupted across the UK on Friday in response to President Donald Trump’s recent comments downplaying the role of British troops in the Afghanistan war. Figures such as Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Prince Harry, and parents of fallen soldiers voiced their outrage at Trump’s assertions, which many view as an outright denial of the sacrifices made by British forces.
In a Thursday interview with Fox News from Davos, Switzerland, Trump reiterated his controversial stance that NATO allies would not come to the aid of the United States if necessary. This statement has been met with backlash, particularly as it ignores the history of NATO as an alliance that invoked its mutual-defense clause in support of the U.S. following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Trump dismissed the contributions of NATO nations in Afghanistan, stating, “We’ve never needed them. We have never really asked anything of them,” and questioned the commitment of allied troops in combat roles.
This belittling of fallen soldiers from Britain, with 457 personnel having lost their lives during the conflict, struck a nerve within the UK. Starmer condemned Trump’s comments as “insulting and frankly appalling,” emphasizing the courage and sacrifices made by British soldiers. He expressed that such remarks could only hurt the families of those who served and sacrificed for their country. When asked if Trump should apologize, Starmer stated he would if he had made similar disrespectful comments.
Prince Harry, who served as an Army Air Corps co-pilot gunner in Afghanistan, issued a poignant statement indirectly addressing Trump’s remarks. He pointed out that NATO’s invocation of Article 5 marked a historic commitment from allied nations to stand united in support of the U.S. in its pursuit of security. Harry’s tribute highlighted the bonds formed and lives lost in the conflict, reinforcing the need for respectful acknowledgment of their sacrifices.
Political reactions extended to a broader spectrum, including Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, who labeled Trump’s comments as “flat-out nonsense” and asserted the respect owed to British and NATO servicemen and women. Meanwhile, Nigel Farage, a leader within the Reform UK party and an ally of Trump, also voiced disagreement with the president’s statements, acknowledging the unity and sacrifices made by allied forces.
Families of deceased soldiers expressed their dismay over Trump’s characterization of their loved ones’ service. For instance, Diane Dernie, whose son Ben Parkinson survived severe injuries in Afghanistan, called the remarks “the ultimate insult.” Another grieving mother, Lucy Aldridge, whose son was killed in action, expressed her deep disgust, stating the trauma experienced by military families is ongoing, thus making Trump’s comments especially painful.
This incident is not isolated; it follows a pattern of Trump’s insensitive remarks about service members. He has faced accusations in the past for derogatory comments about fallen soldiers, including a report by his former chief of staff confirming disparaging remarks made about American soldiers buried in military cemeteries.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the reactions from across the UK reflect a resilient acknowledgment of the sacrifices made by military personnel and a firm call for respect toward those who have served and lost their lives in defense of their country. The outpouring of support for British and allied troops serves as a powerful reminder of the unity that still exists in honoring their legacy.