LONDON – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has publicly demanded that former U.S. President Donald Trump issue an apology for what he termed “frankly appalling” remarks regarding the sacrifices made by NATO troops, particularly during the two-decade conflict in Afghanistan. The escalating diplomatic friction underscores persistent tensions regarding burden-sharing within the Western alliance.
The controversy ignited after Mr. Trump asserted that NATO allies had never adequately supported the United States. This claim was directly countered by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who pointed to the invocation of Article 5 following the September 11, 2001 attacks, which led to substantial military deployments by coalition partners in Afghanistan.
Mr. Trump subsequently sought to qualify his statement, alleging that NATO forces had maintained a peripheral role on the front lines of the conflict. This assertion has drawn sharp rebuke across the UK political spectrum, given that 457 British service members lost their lives, alongside significant casualties from numerous other contributing nations.
Speaking from Downing Street, Prime Minister Starmer stated, “I consider President Trump’s remarks to be insulting and frankly appalling and I am not surprised they have caused such hurt to the loved ones of those who were killed or injured.” He explicitly told reporters that if he had made similar statements, he would offer an apology, referencing the distress caused to families of wounded veterans, such as Ben Parkinson.
Despite the strong condemnation of the rhetoric, Starmer emphasized the strategic necessity of maintaining the close security relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States. He stressed that the alliance was forged through shared values and mutual defense, citing the joint operations in Afghanistan as proof of that commitment.
The White House, under the current administration, has subtly defended the underlying premise of Trump’s critique regarding defense spending. Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly affirmed that “President Trump is right – America’s contributions to Nato dwarf that of other countries,” while highlighting recent European commitments to meeting the 5% GDP spending pledge. This suggests that while the language is contentious, the underlying debate over transatlantic fiscal responsibilities remains a key element of the U.S.-Europe security dialogue.
Source attribution: Based on reports from UK media outlets.