Donald Trump has dramatically backtracked on his controversial remarks about British troops in Afghanistan, after concerns were relayed to the White House from King Charles III. The US President had claimed that NATO allies, including the UK, had “stayed a little back, a little off the front line” during the 20-year conflict, sparking outrage across Britain.
However, following a flurry of diplomatic pressure, Trump suddenly hailed British troops as “among the greatest of all warriors” and praised the UK for fighting with “tremendous heart and soul” in Afghanistan. Sources say the King’s deep concern over the hurt caused by Trump’s comments was passed to Washington through private backchannel, prompting the extraordinary reversal.
The dramatic U-turn also followed a direct call from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who raised the sacrifice of British forces with the President. In a gushing social media post, Trump wrote: “The great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America! In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors.”
Trump, a long-time admirer of the Royal Family, is said to have taken the message from King Charles seriously. During his historic second State visit last September, he described the King as “a great gentleman and a great King”. Charles and Queen Camilla are also expected to visit Trump in the US in April as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Despite Trump’s glowing praise, some veterans said his words still fell short. Afghan war hero Martyn Compton, who suffered 75% burns and was shot twice in a Taliban ambush in 2006, said: “Trump didn’t actually apologise and say sorry. He’s trying to dig himself out of the hole. It still falls short after his previous comments.”
The original remarks made by Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, had caused outrage across the UK. The comments were seen as especially insulting given Britain lost 457 service personnel during the Afghanistan war from 2001 to 2021. Prince Harry, who served in Afghanistan, also blasted Trump’s words, saying: “Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect.”
