Australia Urges Trump to Show Respect for NATO Troops

Darwin, 25 January: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has described comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump about the role of non-U.S. forces in Afghanistan as “completely unacceptable.”

In an interview with Fox News, Trump said NATO had sent “some troops,” but claimed they were “a little bit behind, somewhat away from the front lines.”

Following widespread backlash from European allies as well as Australia, Trump is believed to have partially walked back his remarks on Saturday.

Reporting from Sydney, AFP said Albanese told ABC’s Insiders program on Sunday morning that Trump’s comments had “deeply hurt” the families of fallen Australian soldiers.

He said, “The 47 Australian families who have been hurt by these remarks deserve our highest respect and recognition.”

He added, “The 40,000 Australians who served in Afghanistan showed extraordinary courage. They were undoubtedly on the front lines, standing shoulder to shoulder with our other allies in defense of democracy, freedom, and our national interests.”

“They deserve our respect,” Albanese said.

Earlier on Saturday, a day after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned Trump’s remarks as “shameful,” Trump appeared to shift his stance—at least regarding British troops.

Writing on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said, “The great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom have always stood by the United States!”

He added, “457 were killed in Afghanistan, many were seriously wounded, and they were among the greatest fighters in history. This bond will never be broken.”

Referring to Trump’s later comments, Albanese said they suggested recognition of Australia’s contribution in Afghanistan as well.

“I think President Trump’s overnight comments reflect a completely different position. He has acknowledged the contribution,” Albanese said. However, he again stressed that Trump’s earlier remarks were “entirely inappropriate” and “completely unacceptable.”

Meanwhile, Albanese has announced Greg Moriarty as Australia’s next ambassador to the United States.

Earlier this month, Australia said its current ambassador to the U.S., Kevin Rudd, would step down after completing a three-year term. His tenure was overshadowed by a remark from Trump, who said, “I don’t like you either.”

Former Australian Prime Minister Rudd will leave his post on March 31 and take up the role of president of the New York-based think tank Asia Society. While out of office, he had been a strong critic of Trump.

During a televised comment at a U.S.–Australia meeting at the White House last October, Trump expressed hostility toward Rudd, prompting Australia’s opposition party to call for an end to his ambassadorship.

Albanese said Moriarty is an “outstanding Australian public servant” and that he had consulted the Trump administration regarding the appointment.