UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer strongly denounced Donald Trump’s remarks. Trump claimed NATO troops avoided the Afghan front line. Starmer called these comments “insulting and frankly appalling.” Anger grew across Britain. The news broke on Friday, January 23, 2026.
Trump made these statements in a Fox News interview. He suggested NATO allies stayed “a little back, a little off the front lines.” He also questioned NATO’s commitment to the US. Trump implied the US had never really needed NATO’s help. This statement ignored NATO’s history. In fact, NATO invoked its collective security clause only once. This happened after the 9/11 attacks. The UK and other allies then joined the US in Afghanistan.
Starmer paid tribute to fallen soldiers. He highlighted the 457 British service personnel who died in Afghanistan. He stressed their courage and sacrifice. Many more were injured. Some suffered life-changing injuries. Starmer felt Trump’s words caused deep hurt. This hurt extended to loved ones of the killed and injured. He suggested he would apologize if he misspoke like that.
British officials echoed Starmer’s sentiment. The Prime Minister’s official spokesperson called Trump’s remarks “wrong.” This spokesperson stated Trump diminished the role of British forces. Defence Secretary John Healey affirmed UK and NATO allies answered the US call. Emily Thornberry, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, labeled Trump’s comments an “absolute insult.” Many UK leaders expressed strong disapproval.
Other NATO nations also reacted. Canadian Defence Minister David McGuinty stated there was “no standing back.” He emphasized Canadian forces fought side-by-side with allies. Poland’s Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz expected respect for Polish veterans. The outrage spanned across the political divide in Britain.
The Afghanistan conflict saw significant coalition casualties. The US lost over 2,461 troops. The United Kingdom lost 457 personnel. France suffered 90 deaths. Canada lost 158 or 159 soldiers. Germany had 60 or 62 casualties. Italy saw 48 or 53 deaths. Denmark reported 43 or 44 deaths. These figures underscore the shared sacrifice.
Donald Trump’s comments touched on wider NATO criticisms. He previously questioned alliance commitments. He also sought Greenland from Denmark, a NATO ally. However, his remarks about Afghanistan troops specifically drew strong rebukes. The war in Afghanistan lasted two decades. NATO led the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). It was NATO’s most challenging mission. The alliance deployed over 130,000 troops at its peak.
Prince Harry, a former army helicopter pilot, also responded. He stated sacrifices deserve truthful and respectful discussion. He served in Afghanistan and lost friends. His comments implied disrespect for fallen soldiers. The White House defended Trump. A spokeswoman stated the US does more for NATO than any other country. This defense did not quell the widespread criticism. Popular news outlets reported extensively on the backlash. This London-based news event highlights ongoing transatlantic tensions. The debate continues over historical contributions and alliance responsibilities.
