Norway's PM labels Trump's NATO-Afghanistan remarks 'disrespectful'

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store has denounced recent comments by Donald Trump regarding NATO's military involvement in Afghanistan, describing the former U.S. president's statements as fundamentally disrespectful toward alliance soldiers and their families.

In a social media post published Saturday, Store directly addressed Trump's Thursday remarks suggesting NATO forces remained "a little off the front lines" during the Afghanistan conflict. The Norwegian leader asserted that military personnel who served in the campaign merit acknowledgment grounded in truth and respect, stating he comprehends the strong reactions from both veterans and relatives of fallen soldiers.

Defending Soldiers' Sacrifice

"The fallen, their families, and those who served in Afghanistan deserve to be spoken of with truth and respect," Store wrote on his official Facebook page. "The statement by the US president is disrespectful." His declaration reinforces the principle that contributions and sacrifices made by Norwegian and other NATO troops in the two-decade-long mission should not be diminished by what European officials perceive as inaccurate characterizations.

Growing Alliance Backlash

Store's criticism represents the latest in a series of disapproving responses from NATO member states following Trump's controversial comments. Leaders from Poland, Italy, and the United Kingdom have previously characterized the remarks as unacceptable, insulting, and appalling. This coordinated pushback highlights deepening unease among European allies regarding rhetoric that questions the shared burdens and commitments within the transatlantic security partnership established after World War II.

Context of NATO Solidarity

The public rebuke from Oslo occurs amid ongoing discussions about alliance cohesion and burden-sharing, perennial topics that gained particular prominence during Trump's presidency. Norway, while not a European Union member, maintains active participation in NATO operations and has consistently emphasized the importance of multilateral defense cooperation. The current dispute underscores the sensitive nature of historical military engagements and the expectation that leaders acknowledge allied contributions accurately and respectfully.