Sir Rod Stewart slams Donald Trump and demands apology over British troops: 'It's unbearable!'
Sir Rod Stewart has launched a blistering attack on Donald Trump, urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to force the United States President to apologise for remarks widely condemned as disrespectful to British troops who served in Afghanistan.The rock legend, who was knighted in 2016, posted a video message on Instagram late on Friday night after Mr Trump suggested Nato allies had stayed “a little off the frontlines” during the 20-year conflict.Visibly angered, Sir Rod said the comments had caused deep hurt to veterans and bereaved families across the UK, describing the President’s remarks as “unbearable”.“I may just be a humble rock star, but I’m also a Knight of the realm and I have my opinions,” he said.Sir Rod Stewart called out Donald Trump on Instagram on Friday | INSTAGRAM“I was born just after the war and I have great respect for our armed forces that fought and gave us our freedom. So it hurts me badly, deeply, when I read that draft dodger Trump has criticised our troops in Afghanistan for not being on the front line.”Sir Rod went on to highlight the scale of British losses during the conflict, which claimed the lives of 457 UK service personnel.“We lost over 400 of our guys,” he said. “Think of their parents. Think about it. And Trump calls them almost like cowards. It’s unbearable.”He concluded by directly appealing to the UK’s political leadership, adding: “So I’m calling on you, Prime Minister Starmer and Farage, please make the draft dodger Trump apologise. Please.”Donald Trump questioned whether Nato allies would come to America’s aid if needed | GB NewsMr Trump’s remarks, made during a Fox News interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, triggered a furious backlash across the UK political spectrum and among veterans’ groups.The US President questioned whether Nato allies would come to America’s aid if needed, claiming some nations stayed away from the front line in Afghanistan, a claim that British officials have strongly disputed.Downing Street said the President was “wrong” to diminish the role played by UK forces, pointing out that Britain suffered the second-highest number of military deaths after the United States.Mr Starmer described the comments as “insulting and frankly appalling”, saying they had caused significant distress to the families of those who were killed or injured during the conflict.Veterans and relatives of fallen soldiers also spoke out, with several describing the remarks as “the ultimate insult” to those who served.Sir Rod’s intervention quickly gained traction online, with thousands of comments pouring in beneath his video.Many praised the singer for speaking out, with one follower writing: “Thank you for standing up. More need to. Well said, Sir Rod.”Another added: “I am with you. Donald Trump must apologise for his disgusting comments.”However, the post also attracted criticism from some users, with a small number arguing that Britain itself had failed to properly honour its armed forces in recent years.The backlash comes amid renewed scrutiny of Mr Trump’s own military record.Mr Trump avoided service during the Vietnam War after receiving multiple draft deferments, including one for bone spurs, a fact repeatedly referenced by critics following his Afghanistan comments.The row has reignited debate over the future of the transatlantic alliance and the tone of US-UK relations under a second Trump presidency.The Prime Minister called Trump's remarks about Nato troops in Afghanistan 'insulting and frankly appalling' | BBCWhile Mr Trump has so far declined to apologise, pressure continues to mount from politicians, veterans and public figures alike, with Sir Rod Stewart now among the most high-profile voices calling for a formal retraction.As one commenter beneath the singer’s video put it: “Our troops were on the frontline. They deserve respect, not revisionist history.”
