German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) rebuffed U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that European NATO troops had carried out a “weak” deployment in Afghanistan.
Pistorius told the “Bild” that Germany’s armed forces had stood ready when American allies called for support after the 2001 Islamist terror attacks. He praised the courage and professionalism of German troops and said the country was very grateful for their service.
Trump had alleged that European soldiers were “a step away from the front lines”. Pistorius reminded him that the joint goal of the United States, Germany, and other NATO allies had been “to combat the foundation of international Islamist terrorism”. He noted that German soldiers had served in Afghanistan for 19 years and that Germany had paid a high price: 59 soldiers and three police officers died in combat, attacks or accidents, and many wounded continue to suffer physically and psychologically, along with their families. Pistorius pledged that the deployment and the bravery of German soldiers would be honored, “no matter who questions it. They are never forgotten”.
Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder (CSU) echoed these sentiments to the “Bild am Sonntag”. He said the soldiers risked their lives in service to the nation, democracy and peace, performed great deeds, and earned the highest respect. Every loss still hurts them profoundly.
Defense Ombudsman Henning Otte (CDU) expressed surprise at Trump’s remarks. He said Germany’s readiness had always been recognized by American allies, so Trump’s statements-whether political calculus or ignorance-were incomprehensible. He emphasized that NATO’s strength lies in cohesion.
Parliamentary Secretary General of the Union faction Hendrik Hoppenstedt (CDU) said even more sharply in the interview. He stated that Trump’s toxicity towards the transatlantic friendship and his belittlement of the European Afghanistan mission amounted to mockery of fallen comrades, insult to their families, and an unacceptable devaluation of German forces overall. Hoppenstedt urged a faster break from U.S. dependence and noted that Germany was already taking steps through massive rearmament.