Washington has dismissed criticism from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer regarding President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about NATO forces in Afghanistan. The dispute centers on Trump’s assertion that member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization avoided frontline combat roles during the conflict.
White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers, in a statement released to news outlets, asserted that “President Trump is absolutely correct. The United States has contributed more to NATO than all other member states combined.”
During a recent interview, Trump stated that other NATO countries’ forces “stayed back a bit, away from the front lines” in Afghanistan. His comments referenced the international coalition’s military intervention, led by the United States, following the September 11, 2001, attacks.
Critics argue that Trump’s statement overlooks the significant sacrifices made by British forces, with 457 British soldiers losing their lives during the Afghanistan war. Trump remarked that while other nations sent troops, they remained distanced from active combat zones. He also reiterated his view that NATO would be unlikely to assist the United States if called upon.
Starmer Deems Remarks ‘Insulting’
In response, Prime Minister Starmer labeled Trump’s remarks as “insulting” and suggested they warranted an apology. A spokesperson for the British Prime Minister previously stated that the U.S. President was “mistaken in downplaying the role of NATO forces, particularly the British Armed Forces, in Afghanistan.”
British Welfare Minister Stephen Kinnock indicated that Starmer is expected to address the issue directly with Trump. “I believe he will raise this issue with the President, and I am certain of it,” Kinnock stated. “He is extremely proud of our armed forces and will make that clear to the President.”
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions regarding burden-sharing within NATO and differing perspectives on the alliance’s involvement in past conflicts.
