Starmer condemns Trump's NATO Afghanistan comments as 'appalling'

2026-01-25 - 21:05

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a sharp rebuke to US President Donald Trump on Friday, describing the American leader's comments about NATO allies in Afghanistan as deeply offensive and demanding an apology. A Call for an Apology Speaking to reporters in London, Starmer stated that Trump's characterization of NATO troops avoiding the front lines was "insulting and frankly appalling." He directly challenged the US president, saying, "If I had misspoken in that way, I would certainly apologize." The prime minister's comments reinforce an earlier statement from the UK government which declared Trump's assertion as simply "wrong." Context of the Controversial Remarks The diplomatic friction stems from comments made by President Trump on Thursday, where he suggested NATO forces in Afghanistan stayed "a little back, a little off the front lines." The UK, a leading contributor to the NATO mission, lost 457 military personnel during the nearly two-decade conflict that began in 2001 after the 9/11 attacks triggered the alliance's collective defense clause. Balancing Alliance and Principle Despite the strong condemnation, Prime Minister Starmer was careful to reaffirm the critical nature of the UK-US security partnership. He reiterated the existence of a "very close relationship" between London and Washington, noting its fundamental importance for mutual defense and global security, even amid public disagreements.