German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) rebuts U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that European NATO soldiers performed a weak mission in Afghanistan. Pistorius told the German newspaper ”Bild”: “Our Bundeswehr was ready when our American allies asked for support after the 2001 Islamist terror attack. Germany’s army is very grateful for this courage and highly professional effort”.
Trump had described the European troops as “a step away from the front lines”. Pistorius reminded him that the shared goal of the United States, Germany, and other NATO partners was “the fight against the base of international Islamist terrorism”. He noted that German soldiers were in Afghanistan for a total of 19 years, and Germany paid a high price: “Forty‑nine soldiers and three police officers died in combat, from attacks or accidents. Many wounded still suffer today, both physically and mentally, as do their families who will carry that pain for a lifetime”. Pistorius pledged, “We will honour the mission and bravery of our soldiers in Afghanistan, no matter who questions it. They are never forgotten”.
Bavarian State Minister‑President Markus Söder (CSU) echoed a similar sentiment to “Bild am Sonntag”: “Our soldiers risked their lives; many unfortunately died. They served our country, democracy, and peace with great distinction – and earned our highest respect. Every loss still hurts us deeply today”.
Army Ombudsman Henning Otte (CDU) expressed confusion over Trump’s remarks, saying that Germany’s readiness had “always been recognised by our American friends”. He added, “President Trump’s statement is all the more incomprehensible, whether politically motivated or simply ignorant. NATO’s strength lies in solidarity”.
Parliamentary group chief Hendrik Hoppenstedt (CDU) told “Bild am Sonntag”: “President Trump not only continues to poison trans‑Atlantic friendship. His belittlement of the European Afghanistan mission is a mockery of our fallen, an insult to survivors, and an unacceptable devaluation of our armed forces as a whole. We must move away from U.S. dependence as soon as possible. We’re already taking the first steps through massive rearmament”.
