Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre sharply criticized US President Donald Trump on Saturday, January 24, 2026, describing the American leader's recent comments about NATO troops' involvement in the Afghanistan war as "disrespectful." Støre's rebuke, posted on his official Facebook page, highlighted the profound sacrifices made by allied forces and echoed widespread outrage among NATO members over Trump's portrayal of non-US contributions to the conflict.
"The fallen, their families, and those who served in Afghanistan deserve to be spoken of with truth and respect," Støre wrote. "The statement by the US president is disrespectful. I fully understand why both veterans and next of kin are reacting so strongly to this." He stressed that soldiers from Norway and other NATO allies who deployed to Afghanistan "deserve respect," underscoring the emotional weight the remarks carried for veterans' communities and grieving families across Europe.
The controversy stemmed from Trump's remarks on Thursday, January 22, during an interview where he claimed that NATO troops from non-American allies had remained "a little off the front lines" during the 20-year war in Afghanistan. Trump suggested that the United States bore the primary burden, stating that allied nations sent troops but positioned them in less exposed roles. These assertions quickly drew condemnation from multiple NATO capitals, including London, Warsaw, Rome, and Oslo, where leaders and officials described the comments as inaccurate, diminishing, and offensive to the memory of fallen service members.
Norway's contribution to the Afghanistan mission was substantial and often high-risk. Between 2001 and 2021, more than 10,000 Norwegian troops served in the country under the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and later Resolute Support Mission. Norwegian forces were particularly active in the northern province of Faryab, where they conducted mentoring, training, and combat operations alongside Afghan National Security Forces. The Norwegian contingent suffered 10 fatalities and numerous injuries, with many incidents involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and direct engagements. These losses, though smaller in absolute numbers compared to the United States' nearly 2,500 deaths, represented a significant sacrifice for a nation of just over 5 million people.
Støre's response aligned with broader European backlash. In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Keir Starmer had called Trump's words "insulting and frankly appalling," referencing the 457 British troops killed and thousands wounded, many in intense fighting in Helmand Province. Polish officials labeled the remarks "unacceptable," noting Poland's deployment of over 30,000 troops and 44 fatalities. Italian leaders expressed similar dismay, emphasizing their country's role in western Afghanistan. Even Prince Harry, who served two tours in Afghanistan, issued a statement stressing that NATO sacrifices "deserve to be spoken about truthfully and with respect."
In a partial walk-back on Saturday, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, praising British soldiers as "great and very brave" and stating that "the great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America." The message followed a phone call with Starmer and appeared aimed at mending ties with one of America's closest allies. However, it did not directly address or retract the original claim about NATO forces broadly, leaving some European critics unsatisfied. No similar public acknowledgment was extended to Norway or other nations in the immediate aftermath.
The episode highlights ongoing transatlantic tensions under Trump's second presidency, particularly regarding NATO burden-sharing. During his first term (2017-2021) and 2024 campaign, Trump repeatedly criticized European allies for insufficient defense spending and questioned the alliance's value. The Afghanistan comments revived these debates, especially as NATO prepares for its 2026 summit in The Hague, where defense investment targets and strategic priorities will dominate discussions. Norway, which meets the 2% GDP defense spending goal, has consistently advocated for alliance solidarity while pushing for burden-sharing reforms.
Afghanistan remains a sensitive topic for NATO veterans and families. The coalition's withdrawal in August 2021, culminating in the Taliban's rapid takeover, left many questioning the mission's outcomes despite two decades of effort. Over 3,500 coalition troops died overall, with the US suffering the majority but allies contributing heavily in combat zones. Norwegian veterans' organizations, including the Veterans' Association, expressed deep disappointment at Trump's words, arguing they undermined the shared purpose and risks undertaken in response to the 9/11 attacks.
Støre, a Labour Party leader who has prioritized Nordic security cooperation and NATO commitments, used the moment to reaffirm Norway's dedication to the alliance. His government has increased Arctic defense investments and supported Ukraine amid Russia's invasion, aligning with broader NATO efforts to deter aggression. The prime minister's Facebook post served not only as a rebuke but also as a defense of historical truth, ensuring that the contributions of smaller nations are not overshadowed in narratives dominated by larger powers.
Analysts note that such public disagreements, while diplomatically awkward, rarely fracture the alliance fundamentally. NATO's collective defense clause (Article 5) has been invoked only once—after 9/11—and the organization continues to adapt to new threats, including hybrid warfare and great-power competition. Trump's style of blunt commentary often provokes reactions, but follow-up gestures, like the UK praise, suggest efforts to maintain working relationships.
For Norwegian veterans and families, Støre's words provided validation amid hurt feelings. As one veteran commented on social media, "We didn't ask for praise, but we won't accept dismissal." The incident serves as a reminder of the human cost of alliances and the importance of accurate remembrance in international discourse.
As 2026 unfolds, NATO leaders will likely seek to move past this episode, focusing on unity against shared challenges. Yet Støre's firm stance reinforces that respect for shared sacrifices remains non-negotiable, even among the closest partners.
