U.S. President Donald Trump has drawn widespread criticism in the United Kingdom and Europe after questioning the commitment of European troops in Afghanistan, a day before he praised British soldiers for their courage and sacrifice.
Trump’s initial remarks on Thursday during an interview with Fox Business Network’s “Mornings with Maria” described the United States as having “never needed” the transatlantic alliance and accused European allies of remaining “a little off the front lines” in Afghanistan.
Reuters reported on Sunday that the comments were met with immediate condemnation from political leaders and veterans across Europe.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has historically avoided direct public criticism of Trump, reacted strongly, describing the remarks as “insulting and appalling.”
Starmer spoke to the U.S. president on Saturday, underscoring the bravery and heroism of British and American soldiers who served together in Afghanistan, many of whom did not return home.
“The prime minister raised the brave and heroic British and American soldiers who fought side by side in Afghanistan, many of whom never returned home,” a Downing Street statement said. “We must never forget their sacrifice, he said.”
Trump, however, sought to clarify his stance on Truth Social, praising British service personnel. “The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America!” he wrote.
“In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors. It’s a bond too strong to ever be broken.”
The United Kingdom suffered 457 fatalities in Afghanistan, marking it as the country’s deadliest overseas conflict since the 1950s.
For several of the war’s most intense years, Britain led the allied campaign in Helmand, Afghanistan’s largest and most volatile province, while also serving as the primary U.S. battlefield partner in Iraq.
Veterans across Britain and Europe were quick to condemn Trump’s initial remarks. Among them was Prince Harry, who completed two tours in Afghanistan.
He emphasised that military sacrifices must be honoured accurately and respectfully, stating: “Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect.”
The controversy underscores ongoing sensitivities around NATO contributions and the remembrance of soldiers’ service, as political and military figures continue to defend the integrity of allied efforts in Afghanistan. - January 25, 2026
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