Australia Urges Trump to Respect NATO Troops After Afghanistan Remarks

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Sunday said comments by US President Donald Trump downplaying the role of non-American troops in Afghanistan were “completely unacceptable,” saying they had caused pain to families of fallen Australian soldiers.

Trump said in a Fox News interview that NATO had sent “some troops” to Afghanistan but had “stayed a little back, a little off the front lines,” triggering criticism from US allies.

Speaking on ABC’s Insiders, Albanese said the remarks were hurtful to the families of the 47 Australian soldiers who died in the conflict.

“Those 47 Australian families who will be hurting by these comments deserve our absolute respect and admiration,” Albanese said.

He added that about 40,000 Australians had served on the frontlines in Afghanistan alongside allies.

“They were there to defend democracy and freedom and to defend our national interests. They deserve our respect,” he said.

Trump appeared to soften his stance on Saturday following criticism from European and Australian leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had described the remarks as “appalling.”

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump praised British forces, saying they were “great and very brave soldiers” and had formed an unbreakable bond with the United States.

“In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors,” Trump wrote.

Albanese said Trump’s later comments suggested a shift in tone and recognition of allied contributions.

“I think President Trump’s comments overnight indicate a very different position. He’s acknowledged the contribution,” Albanese said, while stressing that the earlier remarks were “entirely inappropriate.”

New Ambassador to Washington

Albanese also announced that Greg Moriarty would be Australia’s next ambassador to the United States.

Moriarty will replace Kevin Rudd, who is set to leave the post on March 31 after three years in Washington.

Rudd’s tenure was overshadowed by past criticism of Trump and by Trump’s remark, “I don’t like you either,” during a White House meeting last October.

Rudd, a former prime minister, will become president of the Asia Society think tank in New York.

Albanese said Moriarty was an “outstanding Australian public servant” and that his appointment had been discussed with the Trump administration.