A firestorm erupted after former President Trump minimized the contributions of NATO allies during the Afghanistan War, sparking outrage and a direct challenge from an unlikely source: rock legend Rod Stewart.
The controversy began with Trump’s assertion that NATO partners sent only “some troops” to Afghanistan after 9/11, suggesting their involvement was minimal. He implied they largely remained “a little back, little off the front lines,” a statement that quickly ignited a fierce backlash.
Stewart, a Knight of the Realm, didn’t hesitate. In a powerful video viewed by millions, he directly confronted Trump, calling on British leaders to demand an apology. He spoke with raw emotion, recalling the sacrifices of over 400 British soldiers lost in the conflict.
“It hurts me badly, deeply,” Stewart declared, his voice resonating with conviction. He pointedly labeled Trump a “draft dodger” and accused him of portraying allied troops as lacking courage – a charge he found “unbearable.”
The video resonated deeply, with fans and fellow musicians flooding the comments with support. Veteran’s voiced their anger, and singer Sheryl Crow expressed her sadness and disgust at the President’s words.
Prince Harry, himself a veteran of Afghanistan, also weighed in, stating he “made lifelong friends” and “lost friends” during his service. He emphasized the United Kingdom’s significant sacrifice of 457 lives, demanding truthful and respectful acknowledgment of their service.
Facing mounting pressure, Trump responded with a statement on social media, praising British soldiers as “great and very brave.” However, he stopped short of offering a direct apology, instead focusing on the strength of the U.S.-U.K. bond.
His message, while complimentary, notably omitted any mention of the sacrifices made by other NATO allies, including Canada, who also suffered significant losses in Afghanistan. This omission further fueled criticism of his initial remarks.
This isn’t the first time Stewart has publicly challenged Trump. Years ago, he questioned Trump’s suitability for the presidency, and later condemned his withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on climate change with blunt language.
Yet, Stewart once enjoyed a friendly relationship with Trump, attending his Christmas parties as neighbors in Palm Beach, Florida. He acknowledged a past admiration for Trump’s “man’s man” persona, but expressed a profound shift in his perception after Trump entered politics.
“He became another guy. Somebody I didn’t know,” Stewart reflected, hinting at a disappointment rooted in a perceived change in character and a disregard for fundamental values.
The exchange underscores a deep divide, fueled by differing perspectives on service, sacrifice, and the weight of international alliances. It’s a conflict ignited by words, amplified by emotion, and resonating far beyond the initial spark.
