Trump praises ‘great and very brave’ UK soldiers who served in Afghanistan war
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President Donald Trump clarified his earlier criticism of NATO allies on Saturday by praising UK troops serving alongside the US in Afghanistan.
Trump had previously criticized NATO soldiers serving in Afghanistan, claiming that they were “a little behind” from the front lines during the conflict. But his statement was met with anger in the UK, with Prime Minister Kier Starmer calling it “insulting and frankly appalling”.
Trump wrote on Truth Social: “The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always stand with the United States! 457 killed in Afghanistan, many seriously wounded, and they were among the best of all warriors.”
“It’s a bond too strong to ever be broken. The UK Army, with its tremendous heart and soul, is second to none (except for the USA!). We love you all and always will!” he continued.
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US President Donald Trump speaks at a press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Checkers at the end of his state visit to Aylesbury, England, on September 18, 2025. (Leon Neal/Getty Images)
The social media post partially retracts a previous criticism of NATO he made during an interview on Fox Business.
“We never really asked for anything from them,” he said. “You know, they’ll say they sent this or that some troops to Afghanistan, and they did. “They’re a little bit behind, a little bit outside the front lines.”
Starmer’s office said the prime minister raised the issue with Trump during a phone call this weekend.
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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned Trump’s comments about NATO troops in Afghanistan. (Andy Buchanan, Pool Photo via AP)
“The Prime Minister trained the brave and heroic British and American soldiers who fought side by side in Afghanistan, many of whom never returned home,” a spokesman said. “We must never forget their sacrifice.”
Trump’s initial remarks also prompted a direct rebuke from Prince Harry, who served two tours of duty in Afghanistan.
Britain’s Prince Harry also criticized Trump’s disdain for NATO soldiers serving in Afghanistan. (EDDIE MULHOLLAND/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
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“I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there,” Harry said.
“These sacrifices deserve to be talked about honestly and respectfully, as we all remain united and remain committed to diplomacy and the defense of peace,” he added.
