Trump NATO Afghanistan remarks spark backlash across Europe as he praises UK troops while France, Denmark and others condemn his comments

US President Donald Trump has appeared to soften his stance towards Britain following a backlash over his comments on NATO’s role in Afghanistan, describing UK soldiers as “among the greatest of all warriors”.

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The remarks came on Saturday amid mounting criticism from European allies after Trump suggested in a recent interview that NATO forces played a limited role during the Afghanistan war and might not come to the aid of the United States if called upon.

In an interview with Fox News aired on Thursday, Trump said NATO sent “some troops” to Afghanistan but claimed they “stayed a little back, a little off the front lines”.

He also repeated long-standing doubts about the alliance’s commitment to collective defence.

However, on Saturday, Trump struck a different tone regarding Britain. Writing on his Truth Social platform, he praised British forces and stressed the enduring bond between the two countries.

“The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America,” Trump said. Referring to the war in Afghanistan, he noted that 457 British soldiers lost their lives, describing them as “among the greatest of all warriors”.

The comments followed sharp criticism from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who on Friday described Trump’s earlier statements as “insulting” and “appalling”, saying they had caused pain to the families of fallen and wounded soldiers.

Despite Trump’s partial olive branch, the Trump NATO Afghanistan remarks continued to draw condemnation from other European leaders.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Saturday that the comments were “unacceptable”, stressing that Denmark was among the NATO countries with the highest losses per capita during the conflict.

“It is unacceptable that the American president questions the commitment of allied soldiers in Afghanistan,” she said, noting that around 12,000 Danish soldiers and civilians were deployed over the years.

France also reacted strongly, with the office of President Emmanuel Macron describing Trump’s remarks as unworthy of response. The statement said Macron wished to offer comfort to the families of fallen soldiers and reaffirm the nation’s gratitude for their sacrifice.

Italy and Germany also weighed in. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani paid tribute to the 53 Italian soldiers who died in Afghanistan, while German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius recalled the “heavy price” Germany paid after answering the US call for support following the 9/11 attacks.

“Our army was ready when our American allies asked for support,” Pistorius said, adding that many wounded soldiers were still dealing with long-term physical and psychological effects.

Veterans’ groups have also expressed anger. The Danish Veterans’ Association said it was “at a loss for words” over the Trump NATO Afghanistan remarks, announcing plans for a silent march in Copenhagen on January 31 in protest.

The controversy comes shortly after a separate transatlantic dispute over Trump’s comments on Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory, a row that appeared to ease after the US president backed away from threatened tariffs on Europe.

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While Trump’s praise for British troops has eased tensions with London, his broader comments have reignited debate over NATO solidarity and the legacy of the Afghanistan war among America’s closest allies.