German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has called on U.S. President Donald Trump to apologize for remarks that downplayed NATO allies’ contributions in Afghanistan.
Speaking to ARD television, Pistorius said Trump’s comments were “disrespectful to allied soldiers who lost their lives while fighting alongside U.S. forces,” and urged the U.S. president to issue an apology.
“Apologizing to the families of the fallen soldiers would be a sign of decency, respect, and understanding,” Pistorius said, describing Trump’s remarks as “inappropriate and disrespectful.”
“I Will Address It As Soon As I See Him”
Asked whether he would raise the issue directly with his U.S. counterpart, Pete Hegseth, Pistorius replied, “Of course. I will speak to him as soon as I see him.”
What Did Trump Say?
In an interview with Fox News last week, U.S. President Donald Trump said that the United States never needed NATO forces in Afghanistan and claimed that European troops stayed away from the front lines during the conflict.
The remarks sparked backlash across Europe, including in Denmark, Germany, and the United Kingdom.