United States President Donald Trump has gone back on his remarks about British troops “staying back” from the Afghan frontline after backlash from those in the UK
Donald Trump dramatically backtracked on his snide remark about British troops, after concerns from King Charles were quietly relayed to the White House, it’s been claimed.
The US President backed down just 48 hours after sparking fury by claiming Nato allies “stayed a little back, a little off the front lines” in Afghanistan. The remarks were widely seen as an insult to UK service personnel.
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” during the 20-year conflict.
Sources say the King’s deep concern over the hurt caused by Trump’s comments was passed to Washington through private backchannels, prompting the extraordinary reversal.
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A British official said: “You would always expect our Commander-in-Chief to defend the Armed Forces’ proud record of service and sacrifice.” While a well-placed source told The Sun: “It was made very clear that the King’s concern over the hurt had been caused by the comments whether inadvertent or not.”
Trump, a long-time admirer of the Royal Family, is said to have taken the message seriously. During his historic second State visit last September, he described Charles 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.
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 Truth Social 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.
“It’s a bond too strong to ever be broken. The UK Military, with tremendous Heart and Soul, is second to none (except for the USA!). We love you all, and always will! President Donald J Trump.”
Afterwards, a Downing Street spokesman confirmed: “The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, this afternoon. The PM raised the brave and heroic British and American soldiers who fought side-by-side in Afghanistan, many of whom never returned home. We must never forget their sacrifice.”
Trump’s original remarks, made at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, had caused outrage across the UK. He had sneered: “We’ve never needed them. We’ve never really asked anything of them. You know, they’ll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan, or this or that. And they did — they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines.”
The comments were seen as especially insulting given Britain lost 457 service personnel during the Afghanistan war from 2001 to 2021. The US is also the only Nato country ever to invoke Article 5, which treats an attack on one member as an attack on all, after the 9/11 attacks in 2001.
Prince Harry, who served in Afghanistan, also blasted Trump’s words, saying: “I made lifelong friends there. I lost friends there. Thousands of lives were changed forever. Mothers and fathers buried sons and daughters. Children were left without a parent. Families are left carrying the cost.
“Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect, as we all remain united and loyal to the defence of diplomacy and peace.”
But despite Trump’s glowing praise, some veterans said his words still fell short. Afghan war hero Martyn Compton, 42, from Battle, East Sussex, 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. We were on the front line and I’m still fighting my own battle today, as are many hundreds of injured men and women I’ve met.
“We faced danger and death constantly. Not only do I know soldiers and friends who lost their lives in Afghanistan, including the three on that day, but I also know many more who have suffered life changing injuries.
“The sacrifices of British soldiers and their families deserve your respect, Mr Trump. Is it too much to say one simple word that could mean a great deal — ‘Sorry’.”
Furious Martyn, who suffered 75 per cent burns and was shot twice in a Taliban ambush in 2006, added: “I fought side-by-side with American troops. We were brothers in arms, fighting for freedom, proud to serve our countries, regardless of where you came from.
“So, Mr Trump, your previous words were the ultimate insult for the families who have lost husbands, wives, fathers, mothers and children. Hearing what he said brought all the horror back and his words are the ultimate kick in the teeth.
“I’d like to meet him face-to-face and I’d happily tell him of the sacrifices we all went through. That can never be forgotten as I live with it every day. He may be the President of the United States but he needs to apologise.”
