In a shocking and disrespectful statement, former US President Donald Trump has sparked outrage among Australian veterans and military leaders by claiming that allied troops “stayed a little back” from the frontlines during the Afghanistan conflict. The comments, made on Fox News, have been met with fierce criticism and calls for an apology.
Peter Tinley, the national president of the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL), has categorically rejected Trump’s claims, stating that the “vast majority” of Australia’s 630,000 veterans would be “absolutely disgusted and outraged” by the former president’s “cowardly attack” on those who served.
Tinley, who himself was deployed to Afghanistan as part of the military response to the September 11 attacks, emphasized the significant contributions made by Australian troops, with 47 service personnel losing their lives and 261 being wounded during the conflict. He described Trump’s comments as “unfathomable” and “completely disingenuous,” saying that the families of the fallen would be “completely affronted” by the dismissal of their sacrifices.
The remarks have also drawn condemnation from political leaders, with Liberal MP Andrew Hastie, a former Special Air Service Regiment commander, describing them as “a massive slur, not just against allied troops but against our Aussie diggers who fought, bled and died alongside Americans.”
Tinley has urged any ex-service members struggling with the impact of the news to reach out to the Open Arms counselling service, and has vowed that the RSL will continue to support and advocate for the wellbeing of Australia’s veterans and their families.
The backlash to Trump’s comments comes as the US National Defense Strategy, released on Friday, highlighted the importance of allies, with Australia being central to American efforts to deter China. Experts have warned that the former president’s remarks are “deeply disrespectful” and do not reflect the values and professionalism of the US military, at a time when strong international cooperation is crucial.
