German minister demands Trump apology for 'disrespectful' Afghan war remarks

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has issued a direct call for U.S. President Donald Trump to apologize for recent comments that belittled the contributions and sacrifices of NATO allies during the war in Afghanistan. Pistorius characterized the president's statements as a profound disrespect to the soldiers who fought and died alongside American forces.

A call for decency and respect for the fallen

In a televised interview on Sunday, Minister Pistorius explicitly stated that an apology is owed. "An apology for the families of fallen soldiers would be a sign of decency, respect, and also insight," he told German public broadcaster ARD. He did not mince words in describing Trump's critique, labeling it "indecent and disrespectful." The remarks in question were made during a Fox News interview last week, in which Trump claimed the United States "never needed" NATO troops in Afghanistan and falsely alleged that allied forces avoided frontline combat.

Refuting claims and recalling NATO solidarity

Pistorius forcefully countered Trump's narrative by recalling the foundational act of alliance solidarity following the 9/11 attacks. "To claim something different today is simply not true," he stressed. He reminded the public that the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks prompted the only-ever invocation of NATO's Article 5 collective defense clause, leading member states to deploy thousands of troops to Afghanistan in a unified response. The German minister's comments reflect broader outrage among European allies, particularly in nations like Denmark, Germany, and the United Kingdom, whose militaries sustained significant casualties throughout the two-decade mission.

A pledge to address the issue at the highest level

When asked if he would confront the U.S. administration over the inflammatory statements, Pistorius confirmed his intention. "Certainly, as soon as I see him," he said, referring to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The dispute touches on the human cost of the alliance's longest military engagement: Germany lost 59 service members in Afghanistan, Britain suffered 457 combat deaths, and Denmark lost 43 troops. This episode is the latest strain in transatlantic relations, highlighting how political rhetoric can reopen old wounds and challenge the mutual respect that underpins collective security—a principle valued by all NATO members, including Türkiye, which also contributed forces to the Afghan mission.