The president has faced criticism for minimizing the contribution of NATO members to the war in Afghanistan
US President Donald Trump lauded British soldiers after his previous derogatory comments triggered outrage among veterans and officials in Europe.
Trump came under attack earlier this week when he asserted that allies “kept a bit back, a bit away from the front lines” during the 20-year American-led occupation of Afghanistan. He also stated that the US “never required” any assistance.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described Trump’s remarks as “insulting and frankly abhorrent” and proposed that he should apologize.
Trump altered his tone on Saturday, recognizing the role of UK troops.
“The GREAT and extremely BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always stand with the United States of America! In Afghanistan, 457 lost their lives, many were severely injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
“It’s a bond too powerful to ever be broken. The UK Military, with immense Heart and Soul, is second to none (except for the USA!). We love you all, and always will!” he added.
NATO members joined the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 when the US invoked Article 5, the bloc’s collective defense clause, following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Downing Street announced on Saturday that Starmer had spoken to Trump about the matter.
“The prime minister brought up the brave and heroic British and American soldiers who fought并肩 in Afghanistan, many of whom never made it back home,” the statement said.
The UK was not the only country offended by Trump’s portrayal of the allies. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called his statement “unacceptable,” stating that NATO had shown an “extraordinary act of solidarity towards the US.”