Last week saw President of the United States, Donald Trump, make yet another offensive comment about his country’s supposed allies, including the UK, by claiming that the United States has “never needed” or “asked anything” of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization).
Quick recap/history lesson for context! NATO is an alliance that was established after World War II and sees 32 member states, including the UK, USA, France, Denmark, Poland and Canada, pledge to share defences in case of an attack. So far, it’s been pretty successful at keeping the Western world safe.
As per Article 5 of NATO, an attack on one nation is considered an attack on all – and the USA is the only NATO state to trigger Article 5 and ask for support from other nations following the 9/11 terrorist attack on New York, which prompted the US-led invasion of Afghanistan.
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Speaking on Fox News last week, Trump said of NATO member states, “We’ve never needed them. We have never really asked anything of them. They’ll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan… and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the front lines.”
In reality, 457 British military personnel died while serving in Afghanistan and many more were injured (same goes for other NATO states). They were certainly not hiding at the back, as the President’s words implied.
Trump’s latest lies understandably sparked huge backlash from the public and British political figures, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer describing the comments as “insulting and frankly appalling” as he called for an apology.
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President Trump and King Charles during last year’s State Visit
The President did later walk back his comments, by posting on his social media platform, Truth Social, “The great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America.
“In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors. It’s a bond too strong to ever be broken. The UK military, with tremendous heart and soul, is second to none (except for the USA). We love you all, and always will!”
Now, it’s reported that King Charles stepped in behind the scenes to call Trump out on his damaging remarks.
Shadow foreign secretary, Priti Patel, said of the royal’s quiet involvement, “Donald Trump’s comments about British soldiers were disgraceful. His Majesty’s quiet diplomacy on this matter is welcome and is to be commended.
“His Royal Highness fully understands the sacrifices our armed forces make to keep our country safe.”
Prince Harry, the King’s son, served in Afghanistan and also released a statement on the controversy: “In 2001, NATO invoked Article 5 for the first and only time in history. It meant that every allied nation was obliged to stand with the United States in Afghanistan, in pursuit of our shared security. Allies answered that call.
“I served there. I made lifelong friends there. And I lost friends there. Thousands of lives were changed forever. Mothers and fathers buried sons and daughters. Children were left without a parent. Families are left carrying the cost.
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“Those sacrifices deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect, as we all remain united and loyal to the defence of diplomacy and peace.”
The King is due to head to the United States in April, as part of the US’ 250th birthday celebrations – and many are calling for the monarch to reconsider in light of Trump’s comments about not only the UK but Canada.
Trump has repeatedly called to make Canada the ’51st state’ of America, despite it being part of the Commonwealth, meaning Charles is its Head of State.
Royals are expected to remain politically neutral, but have used their ‘soft power’ on numerous occasions e.g. inviting Trump for a State Visit last year in an effort to keep relations between the UK and US sweet.
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