US President Donald Trump has sparked widespread criticism after claiming that NATO forces “stayed a little off the front lines” during the 20‑year war in Afghanistan and questioning the alliance’s role and reliability.
Speaking in a Fox News interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump suggested that the United States “never really asked anything” from NATO partners and implied that allied troops were not fully engaged in combat. He also questioned whether the alliance would defend the US if needed, saying that America “never really needed” NATO.
His remarks drew strong condemnation in the United Kingdom. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the comments “insulting and appalling,” urging Trump to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of non‑US NATO forces. The UK lost 457 personnel in Afghanistan, with thousands more injured, while other NATO countries also suffered casualties.
Junior minister Stephen Kinnock emphasised that European NATO troops fought alongside American soldiers in dangerous operations and highlighted the collective response under NATO’s Article 5 after the September 11 attacks. Critics also questioned Trump’s authority to comment on allied combat roles, citing his draft deferments during the Vietnam War.
Military veterans and public figures weighed in. Prince Harry, who served two tours in Afghanistan, strongly rejected Trump’s claim, stressing that NATO allies actively participated in frontline operations and made significant sacrifices. Families of fallen soldiers echoed this, saying the former president’s statements were hurtful and inaccurate.
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