GURUGRAM — In a rare moment of diplomatic retreat, President Donald J. Trump took to Truth Social late Saturday to issue a glowing tribute to the British Armed Forces. The post, which called UK soldiers “the greatest of all warriors,” marks a desperate attempt to repair the “Special Relationship” after 48 hours of unprecedented diplomatic warfare between Washington and London.
The Truth Social “Olive Branch”
The President’s post was uncharacteristically emotional, specifically citing the 457 British service personnel who died in Afghanistan.
“The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America! In Afghanistan, 457 died… they were among the greatest of all warriors. It’s a bond too strong to ever be broken.” — Donald J. Trump
This specific mention of the death toll is being viewed by analysts as a direct apology to the families of the fallen, following his disastrous interview on Fox News earlier this week.
The Controversy: What Triggered the Fury?
On Thursday, speaking from Davos, Trump ignited a firestorm by claiming that non-US NATO troops “stayed a little back” and were “off the front lines” during the 20-year conflict in Afghanistan. The reaction in the UK was swift and bipartisan:
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer labeled the remarks “insulting and frankly appalling.”
- Prince Harry, a two-tour Afghanistan veteran, issued a rare rebuke, stating that the sacrifices of his brothers-in-arms must be spoken of “truthfully and with respect.”
- The Public Outcry: Families of the 457 fallen soldiers called for a formal apology, with some veterans’ groups suggesting the US Ambassador be summoned.
Strategic Analysis: Why the Sudden U-Turn?
At Storify News, we believe this pivot isn’t just about military respect—it’s about Greenland.
As we reported earlier this week, the US is currently in a high-stakes standoff with Europe over the acquisition of Greenland. Trump has threatened 25% tariffs on European goods (including UK goods) starting February 1st. However, he quickly realized that if he alienates the UK military, he loses his only major supporter within the NATO intelligence community.
By praising the UK now, Trump is attempting to “de-link” the military alliance from the trade war. He needs the UK to remain neutral—or at least quiet—as he pressures Denmark and the EU into the Greenland framework.
The “India Factor”
This diplomatic chaos in the West continues to accelerate the India-EU Mother of All Deals. As European leaders see the volatility of Trump’s rhetoric—insulting allies one day and praising them the next—the drive to find a stable, predictable partner in India has reached a fever pitch.
New Delhi is watching closely. For India, a fractured NATO means a more independent Europe, which is exactly the environment needed to finalize the upcoming Free Trade Agreement during the Republic Day Summit.
The Bottom Line
Trump’s Truth Social post proves that even he recognizes there are lines that cannot be crossed. Insulting the 457 British soldiers who died answering the US’s call after 9/11 was a bridge too far. While the “love letter” may soothe some wounds in London, the trust deficit between the US and its oldest allies has never been wider.
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