Donald Trump ignited widespread outrage across Europe on Thursday, January 23, 2026, with remarks questioning the contributions of NATO allies in Afghanistan. Speaking from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump claimed the United States "never needed" its NATO partners and asserted that allied troops "stayed a little back, little off the front lines" during the 20-year conflict. These comments drew swift and strong condemnation from European leaders, military veterans, and families of fallen soldiers.[cbsnews+3]
European Leaders Condemn Remarks
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Trump's statements "insulting and frankly appalling" on Friday. Starmer added he was not surprised the comments caused "such hurt" across the United Kingdom.He also highlighted the sacrifice of 457 British service members who died in Afghanistan.[theguardian+7]
Poland's President Karol Nawrocki stated on Friday that Polish soldiers are "heroes" and "deserve respect and words of gratitude for their service."Retired Polish General Roman Polko, who served in Afghanistan, told Reuters that Trump "crossed a red line" and demanded an apology. "We paid with blood for this alliance. We truly sacrificed our own lives," Polko said.[euractiv+1]
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen also criticized Trump's remarks on Saturday, calling them "unacceptable." She added that the comments had deeply hurt Danish veterans.Denmark lost 44 troops in Afghanistan, a per capita death rate similar to that of the United States.[euractiv+3]
Veterans and Families Voice Disgust
The outrage extended beyond political figures to those directly impacted by the war. Lucy Aldridge, whose 18-year-old son William was the youngest British soldier killed in Afghanistan in 2009, expressed deep disgust. "Families of those who were lost to that conflict live the trauma every day. I'm not just deeply offended, I'm actually deeply disgusted," Aldridge told the BBC.[cbsnews]
Lord Richard Dannatt, a former head of the British Army, described Trump's comments as "outrageous" and "factually incorrect."Alistair Carns, the U.K. government's Minister of the Armed Forces and a veteran with five tours in Afghanistan, called the claims "utterly ridiculous." Carns emphasized the shared sacrifices, noting, "We shed blood, sweat and tears together, and not everybody came home."[cbsnews+2]
Canadian veterans also reacted with anger. Bruce Moncur, a retired corporal who served on the front lines, questioned Trump's assertions. He pointed out that Trump's sons were not near the front lines in Afghanistan.[cbc]
NATO's Collective Defense and Shared Sacrifice
European officials were quick to point out the historical context of NATO's involvement in Afghanistan. NATO invoked its Article 5 collective defense clause only once in its history. This happened after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. Allies then rallied to support the U.S. in its response.[cbsnews+5]
Contrary to Trump's claims, NATO allies suffered significant casualties during the 20-year war. Beyond the approximately 2,500 American deaths, 457 British, 150 Canadian, 90 French, and 60 German military personnel died in Afghanistan.Reports indicate that for every two American soldiers who died, one soldier from another NATO country also paid the ultimate price.[cbsnews+6]
Michael Willadsen, a Danish veteran and former police chief, recounted serving on front lines in Helmand province where no Americans were present. He found Trump's suggestion that allies were not needed painful.These statements from European leaders and veterans underscore the deep offense taken at Trump's portrayal of their sacrifices and commitment to the alliance.[aa]
Diplomatic Tensions Rise
The controversy has heightened diplomatic tensions between European nations and the former U.S. President. Many see Trump's remarks as disrespecting the memory of fallen soldiers and undermining the foundational principles of the NATO alliance. The reactions across Europe highlight a strong defense of their military's honor and the importance of collective security.
European governments are now urging for increased military capability and a unified front. They aim to deter future aggression and reinforce the alliance's strength. The widespread demand for an apology from Trump reflects the depth of the sentiment across the continent.[cbsnews]
