Summary
President Donald Trump claimed that NATO forces stayed back from front-line combat in Afghanistan, which led to criticism from UK politicians. They pointed out NATO's significant contributions and casualties during the 20-year war and mentioned Trump's military deferments during the Vietnam War.
Key Facts
- President Trump said NATO allies stayed away from front-line fighting in Afghanistan.
- UK politicians criticized Trump, highlighting NATO's sacrifices, including UK’s 457 military personnel deaths.
- More than 150 Canadian soldiers died in Afghanistan along with 90 French and 44 Danish soldiers.
- Denmark had one of the highest soldier casualty rates per population size.
- The UK politician, Stephen Kinnock, called Trump’s comments disappointing, noting European sacrifices in US-led missions.
- Kinnock reminded that the US used NATO's Article 5 for defense support after the 9/11 attacks.
- UK politicians criticized Trump for avoiding military service during the Vietnam War with draft deferments.
