Donald Trump retracted his earlier statements about British troops "staying back" from the Afghan frontline, reportedly after King Charles III privately conveyed his concern to the White House. Trump's initial remarks, made at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, had been widely perceived as an insult to UK service personnel, suggesting they were not engaged on the front lines in Afghanistan. This prompted significant backlash in the UK, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer also speaking directly with Trump about the sacrifices made by British and American soldiers fighting together in Afghanistan.
Following diplomatic pressure and the relayed concerns, Trump issued a statement praising British soldiers as "among the greatest of all warriors" and highlighting the UK's "tremendous heart and soul" in the conflict, emphasizing the strong bond between the UK and the US. He posted on Truth Social, stating that British soldiers "will always be with the United States of America" and acknowledging the 457 British lives lost and numerous injuries sustained during the 20-year war. A Downing Street spokesman confirmed the Prime Minister's conversation with Trump, reiterating the importance of remembering the sacrifices of those who fought together.
Despite Trump's revised praise, some veterans felt his retraction did not go far enough, with one describing it as an attempt to "dig himself out of the hole" and noting that Trump did not offer a direct apology. Prince Harry, who served in Afghanistan, also criticized Trump's initial words, emphasizing the sacrifices made and the need for truthful and respectful acknowledgment of those who served and their families.