Donald Trump's recent remarks about Nato troops' role in Afghanistan have sparked significant backlash from British politicians. Trump suggested that Nato troops stayed "a little off the front lines," which has been labelled "disappointing" by Health and Social Care Minister Stephen Kinnock. Various UK officials have expressed indignation at the claim.

The UK, along with other Nato allies, joined the US in Afghanistan in 2001, following the 9/11 attacks. Trump’s assertion undermines the sacrifice of the 457 British service members who lost their lives during the war, according to Labour MP Emily Thornberry and other critics. Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty, who served in Afghanistan, expressed regret over Trump's comments, viewing them as dismissive of the sacrifices of Nato troops.

Speaking on Fox News, Trump voiced scepticism about Nato's willingness to assist the US in times of need, stating, "We've never needed them." His remarks suggested that while European troops were sent to Afghanistan, they did not fully engage on the front lines. Many, including Dutch foreign minister David van Weel, have dismissed this perception, accusing Trump of distorting the truth about Nato's role.

Stephen Kinnock and others have highlighted the UK's steadfast support and alliance with the US in military endeavours. Kinnock affirmed the professionalism and bravery of British troops and reiterated the importance of the US-UK partnership in defence and security. Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, echoed his sentiments by criticising Trump for questioning the sacrifices made by allied troops.

Looking forward, it remains paramount for leaders of Nato countries to ensure cohesion within the alliance, especially after such remarks. Former British Army officer Obese-Jecty and other UK officials continue to emphasise the shared commitment and significant risks taken by Nato forces in Afghanistan. The BBC reported on the importance of the US-UK relationship for ongoing global defence and security efforts.

Key Takeaways

• UK officials have criticised Donald Trump's comments about NATO troops in Afghanistan.

• UK politicians underscore the sacrifices made by British troops and the role of NATO in Afghanistan.

• They underscore the vitality of the US-UK special relationship for defence and security.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2026-01-23

 

 

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Brit here.

My youngest lost mates in Helmand province in IED attacks (another is minus legs) and got wounded himself and invalided out.

He was in the RN supporting the RM Commandos (servicing their rotary wing aircraft).

I won't relate his response to this, <deleted> would appear rather often.

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Donald Trump wrote: “Maybe we should have put NATO to the test: invoked Article 5, and forced NATO to come here and protect our southern border from further invasions of illegal immigrants.”

The Border Patrol agents currently working at the border could then be freed up for other tasks, the president suggested.

According to NATO’s website, Article 5 only applies in the case of an “armed attack.” However, there is uncertainty about what constitutes an armed attack in this context .However, such attacks must include an international element, meaning cases of domestic terrorism do not trigger Article 5.

Trump suggests he should have invoked Article 5 to “put NATO to the test”

32 minutes ago, bannork said:

In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Donald Trump wrote: “Maybe we should have put NATO to the test: invoked Article 5, and forced NATO to come here and protect our southern border from further invasions of illegal immigrants.”

What a moronic statement from the moron in chief!

Here's some footage of the Royal Marine Commandos 'staying a little back, a little off the front lines'

Trump is a moron.....

This moron is embarrassing you yanks, this will not be forgotten, he is driving america into isolation, who is going to trade with a madman at the helm !!

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Donald Trump's recent remarks about Nato troops' role in Afghanistan have sparked significant backlash from British politicians.

Dang, our most loyal poodle is insulted. You know what you should do? Rethink your poodlehood. Massah is not a good man.

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Many, including Dutch foreign minister David van Weel, have dismissed this perception, accusing Trump of distorting the truth

Tell us when trump hasn't distorted the truth, whenever he opens his pie hole.

This guy is a disgrace to humanity, and should be removed, in whatever way.

The man who received five deferments for the draft, the last being for 'bone spurs in his heels', has the nerve to give an opinion about real soldiers' battle experiences.

A weasel such as this should avoid areas or events where European NATO veterans gather.

Funny how none of the usual racist patriotic 'influencers' have little to say on the matter.

Absolute vile the lot of them.

What else would one expect from a convicted felon who found, as it is always his case, an intelligent excuse not to do his military service.

2 minutes ago, chercheur888 said:

What else would one expect from a convicted felon who found, as it is always his case, an intelligent excuse not to do his military service.

How did he avoid the draft ?

8 hours ago, Autocan said:

Dang, our most loyal poodle is insulted. You know what you should do? Rethink your poodlehood. Massah is not a good man.

Your attempt at humour on such a topic is uncouth but unsurprising. No class or morals. Politicians are not the people. Blindly following you lot into your agenda wars (when was the last time the mighty US actually won a war?) was not up to the people. As a nation, no-mates America is currently below Russia… immature, devious, stupid and arrogant—and it is not all one man. Even Russia’s shyster leaders recognise the sacrifices others have made. You’re right though; the next 911 when the US cries for help, it’ll probably find itself on its own. I don’t think you’ll get much sympathy when you get overtaken and trounced by China either.

Tommy lad not said anything in response ?

7 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

How did he avoid the draft ?

Likely college, daddy and ‘trumped’ up medical reasons. Total weak-assed hypocrite.

I'm a Brit (and former military with many American ex mil mates) on the right, I'd be interested what those on here from the right side of American politics have to say about this clown's remarks.

The man who dodged the draft is embarrassing you all.

9 hours ago, DonniePeverley said:

How did he avoid the draft ?

Bone spurs (apparently).

this is how intelligent the white house is

The White House is continuing its push for Greenland on social media, posting to its X account on Friday an AI image of President Donald Trump walking across the snow, toward a Greenlandic flag, while holding hands with a penguin carrying an American flag.

“Embrace the Penguin,” the White House wrote.

(Penguins aren’t found in the arctic, according to National Geographic.)

Trump is the ultimate 'chicken hawk'.

This sort of stupid uninformed statement should have been expected

Remember the Normandy anniversary? His wondering why anyone would sacrifice their life for the country? Calling them 'losers' etc.

So out of touch with reality that he compared his avoiding STD's in 60-70's with serving in Vietnam...

I am embarrassed to be an American. I apologize for him, as he is incapable. My hope is that when that gas bag of narcissistic sociopathy is gone that somehow the mess can be cleaned up and repairs done to relations with our (formerly) greatest friends

5 hours ago, sungod said:

I'm a Brit (and former military with many American ex mil mates) on the right, I'd be interested what those on here from the right side of American politics have to say about this clown's remarks.

The man who dodged the draft is embarrassing you all.

It doesn't matter you are right, left or centre, there is no justification for Trump's remarks.

Even if they were factually correct - which, of course, they aren't - what did he hope to gain by making them? To piss off his Western allies and united them against him even more than he already has? We'll, if so, he's succeeded.

Thomas Crooks should have been a better shot !!!!

Still nothing from Tommy ?

Nothing at all from the war dodger's supporters, still at least they know they cant defend the indefensible

Fancy accusing people of hanging back from the front line when he basically ran away, he's a coward.

16 minutes ago, sungod said:

Nothing at all from the war dodger's supporters, still at least they know they cant defend the indefensible

Fancy accusing people of hanging back from the front line when he basically ran away, he's a coward.

Yet Rupert Lowe of Reform has called his latest statement "honourable". Reform's true colours are showing.

2 hours ago, brewsterbudgen said:

Yet Rupert Lowe of Reform has called his latest statement "honourable". Reform's true colours are showing.

Rupert Lowe is an independent, how ever it was good to see Farage call Trump out on this one saying he was wrong.