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Britain stated on Friday that Donald Trump was “incorrect in minimizing” the contribution of NATO troops in Afghanistan, as his claim that allied forces did not engage on the front lines provoked strong criticism. During a Thursday interview on Fox News, Trump seemed unaware that 457 British soldiers lost their lives in Afghanistan following the September 11 terrorist attacks.
He remarked, “They’ll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan,” referencing NATO allies. “And they did send some, but they stayed a bit back, a little away from the front lines.” Trump also reiterated his suggestion that NATO would not provide assistance to the U.S. if asked.
In reality, after 9/11, the UK and numerous other allies joined U.S. efforts in Afghanistan, invoking NATO’s collective defense clause. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned Trump’s remarks as “insulting” and suggested he should apologize. “I find President Trump’s comments offensive and frankly shocking. It’s no surprise they have caused hurt among the families of those killed or injured,” Starmer stated, asserting that if he had spoken similarly, he would issue an apology.
Furthermore, soldiers from countries like Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, and others also lost their lives in the conflict. “Their sacrifices, along with those of other NATO members, were made in defense of collective security after an attack on our ally,” Starmer’s spokesperson emphasized. “We take pride in our armed forces, and their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Care Minister Stephen Kinnock expressed confidence that Starmer would raise the issue directly with Trump. “He will, I’m sure, bring this up with the president. Keir is extremely proud of our armed forces and will make that clear,” Kinnock told LBC Radio. He also highlighted that the only time Article 5 of NATO was invoked was in response to 9/11.
Defense Minister John Healey confirmed that NATO’s Article 5 has been activated just once—after 9/11—and reaffirmed Britain’s commitment, stating, “The UK and NATO members responded to the U.S. call, with over 450 British soldiers dying in Afghanistan. Their bravery and sacrifice served our nation.”
Lucy Aldridge, whose son William was 18 when he was killed in Afghanistan, told The Mirror that Trump’s comments were “deeply upsetting.” Labour MP Emily Thornberry called the remarks “more than just a mistake,” branding them “an outright insult” to the 457 families who lost loved ones. “How dare he suggest we weren’t on the front lines?” she exclaimed during a BBC Question Time session.
Official UK figures show that 405 of the British casualties perished in hostile combat, while the U.S. lost more than 2,400 personnel.
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