Trump Praises UK Troops Amid Backlash Over Afghanistan Remarks
Former US President Donald Trump has publicly praised British troops, seeking to strike a conciliatory tone with the UK military even as his recent comments on the Afghanistan war continue to spark anger and controversy.
Speaking during a public appearance on Tuesday, Trump described UK forces as “brave, professional, and incredibly loyal allies,” highlighting their long-standing partnership with US troops in global military operations. “The United Kingdom has some of the finest soldiers in the world,” Trump said. “They stood with us through difficult missions, and that should never be forgotten.”
The remarks come days after Trump faced criticism from British politicians, veterans, and defence experts over claims he made about the US-led withdrawal from Afghanistan. Trump had suggested that allied forces, including those from the UK, were poorly managed during the final stages of the exit in 2021, comments many in Britain viewed as dismissive of the sacrifices made by their armed forces.
UK veterans’ groups were among the first to push back, arguing that British troops operated under complex political and military decisions made at the highest levels in Washington and NATO. Several former military officials described Trump’s earlier statements as “misleading” and “deeply unfair.”
Trump’s latest praise appears aimed at easing tensions, particularly as he continues to position himself as a central figure in US and global politics ahead of the next election cycle. Analysts say the shift in tone reflects an effort to maintain strong ties with traditional US allies while appealing to military voters at home.
Downing Street declined to comment directly on Trump’s remarks, but sources familiar with UK defence circles said the praise was “noted,” though it does little to address lingering frustration over how the Afghanistan withdrawal unfolded.
The UK lost 457 service personnel during the two-decade conflict in Afghanistan, and the chaotic final exit remains a sensitive issue for both veterans and families. For many, Trump’s comments have reopened painful debates about accountability, alliance leadership, and the true cost of war.
As reactions continue to pour in, the episode underscores how Afghanistan remains a political fault line, one that still shapes transatlantic relations years after the last troops left Kabul.
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