Donald Trump was branded a “draft dodger” as the US President sparked explosive criticism after accusing Nato of not fighting on the front line in Afghanistan.
Speaking to Fox News about Nato in Davos, he suggested that while allies technically deployed forces to Afghanistan, they did not fight on the true front lines.
Trump told the broadcaster: “We've never needed them (Nato).
“They'll say they sent some troops to Afghanistan… and they did, they stayed a little back, a little off the frontlines.”
Labour MP Dame Emily Thornberry branded Trump a “draft dodger” during an appearance on BBC’s Question Time, attacking him for questioning the sacrifices of British and Nato troops despite having avoided military service during the Vietnam War draft.
“How dare he say we weren’t on the frontline?” Thornberry said, calling the remarks “an absolute insult” to the 457 British soldiers who lost their lives in Afghanistan.
Diane Dernie, whose son Ben Parkinson suffered horrific injuries when an Army Land Rover hit a mine near Musa Qala in 2006, said the US president’s comments were “the ultimate insult” and called on Sir Keir Starmer to stand up to Mr Trump over them.
The UK had the second highest number of deaths in Afghanistan.
457 British troops lost their lives in Afghanistan.
— Ed Davey (@EdwardJDavey) January 22, 2026
Trump avoided military service 5 times.
How dare he question their sacrifice. Farage and all the others still fawning over Trump should be ashamed. pic.twitter.com/4xmsAYnt76
The US is the only Nato member to use the Article 5 clause of the treaty, where an attack against one is deemed an attack against all.
This was invoked after the 9/11 terrorist attack on America.
John Healey, the UK’s defence secretary, told Sky News: “Nato's Article 5 has only been triggered once. The UK and Nato allies answered the US call. And more than 450 British personnel lost their lives in Afghanistan.
"Those British troops should be remembered for who they were: heroes who gave their lives in service of our nation."
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey also joined the condemnation, pointing to Trump’s history of deferring military service, including five draft deferments during the Vietnam era, as he criticised his readiness to question allied courage and commitment.
In a post on X, he said: "Trump avoided military service five times.
The UK served on the frontline in Afghanistan and often way beyond it! pic.twitter.com/rC3oejqvQa
— Al Carns (@AlistairCarns) January 23, 2026
"How dare he question their sacrifice. Farage and all the others still fawning over Trump should be ashamed."
Tory MP Ben Obese-Jecty, who served in Afghanistan, told Sky News: "I saw first hand the sacrifices made by British soldiers I served alongside in Sangin where we suffered horrific casualties, as did the US Marines the following year.
"I don't believe US military personnel share the view of President Trump; his words do them a disservice as our closest military allies."
