Sir Rod Stewart has condemned comments made by US President Donald Trump about Nato allies and their role in Afghanistan, describing them as disrespectful to armed forces personnel. Trump made the remarks during a recent Fox News interview, in which he suggested Nato troops had remained away from the front lines and downplayed their contribution to the conflict.
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The comments prompted criticism from European politicians and public figures, including Stewart, who responded in a video shared on social media. He emphasised his respect for the armed forces and expressed concern that the remarks undermined the sacrifices made by soldiers who served in Afghanistan, particularly those who lost their lives.
During the conflict, 457 British troops were killed, a figure frequently cited in responses to Trump’s statements. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the remarks as “insulting and frankly appalling”, stressing that the courage and sacrifice of British service personnel should not be questioned or diminished.
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Trump’s comments also revived discussion of his own military record. In 1972, he was exempted from service in the Vietnam War after being diagnosed with bone spurs in his heels, a decision that has previously attracted public scrutiny during his political career.
