In a surprising turn of events, US President Donald Trump has lavished praise on UK troops, just days after his controversial remarks regarding the conflict in Afghanistan drew sharp criticism from British officials.
The President’s complimentary statements came during his visit to the UK, where he met with servicemen and women from the British armed forces. This gesture appears to be an attempt to mend the rift created by his previous comments, which the UK Prime Minister had described as “insulting” and warranting an apology.
During the interaction, Trump expressed his admiration for the bravery and dedication of the UK troops, stating, “I want to thank you all for your service, your courage, and your profound sacrifice in defence of our freedom and our shared values.” He went on to acknowledge the longstanding alliance between the US and UK, emphasising the importance of their continued cooperation on the global stage.
The President’s remarks stand in stark contrast to his previous statements about the UK’s involvement in the war in Afghanistan. Last week, Trump had claimed that the British were “very thrilled” about his decision to withdraw US troops from the region