• Trump praised UK soldiers as "brave warriors" on social media.
• His earlier comments about NATO troops sparked anger, labeled as "insulting" by UK PM Keir Starmer.
• UK lost 457 soldiers in Afghanistan, with many others wounded in combat.
• Starmer stated he would demand an apology if he had said something similarly offensive.
• Trump's message aimed to ease tensions following Starmer's criticism.

On January 24, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump praised "brave" British soldiers, calling them warriors, a day after his remarks regarding NATO troops in Afghanistan were condemned by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer as "insulting and appalling." Trump, previously critiqued for suggesting that European troops stayed "a little off the front lines," expressed admiration for the 457 UK soldiers who died in Afghanistan, stating they were "among the greatest of all warriors" and affirming the deep bond between the UK and the U.S., according to Reuters.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared, "The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America!" emphasizing the sacrifices made by UK forces. His comments followed significant backlash, including responses from veterans and Prince Harry, who highlighted the need for respectful acknowledgment of the soldiers' sacrifices, according to India Times and Al Jazeera.

Starmer had a direct conversation with Trump about the remarks, implying the need to honor the sacrifices of UK and American soldiers who fought together in Afghanistan. He described the situation as requiring truthful respect regarding the individuals impacted by the war. The Prime Minister expressed that such comments cause hurt among the families of those killed or injured, and if he had spoken similarly, he would issue an apology, according to Reuters and India Times.