US President Donald Trump questioned NATO’s role in Afghanistan during an interview in Davos. He claimed allied troops stayed away from front lines. He also doubted whether NATO would support the United States during a future crisis.
Trump told Fox News that the true test involved mutual defense. He said he felt unsure about allied commitment. His comments reopened debate about burden sharing within the alliance.
After the September 11 attacks, the United States invoked NATO’s Article 5. Allies then joined the war in Afghanistan for two decades. During the conflict, 3,486 NATO troops died. American forces accounted for 2,461 deaths. Canada lost 165 troops. Greenland recorded 44 deaths.
The remarks triggered strong reactions in the United Kingdom. Prime Minister Keir Starmer called them insulting and appalling. He urged Trump to apologize to affected families. Starmer praised the courage and sacrifice of British forces.
Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Emily Thornberry said the comments disrespected bereaved families. Defence Secretary John Healey said UK forces answered the US call. Official figures show more than 450 British personnel died in Afghanistan.
Trump also faced renewed criticism over avoiding the Vietnam draft. He previously cited bone spurs as the reason.
