German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius demanded that U.S. President Donald Trump apologize for his remarks about Afghanistan. In a pre‑recorded interview for the ARD show “Caren Miosga”, Pistorius answered a question about whether the president should issue an apology with a firm “Yes, of course”. He added that it would signal civility, respect, and insight, but also noted that he knows how the American president operates.
He reminded listeners that 59 members of the Bundeswehr lost their lives in Afghanistan and roughly 500 were wounded, many severely. Pistorius cited the “Karfreitag‑battle” of 2010 in Kundus, where three paratroopers were killed and eight others were wounded. “Speaking about the fallen of our allies in this manner is simply disrespectful. Everyone was there, standing with the U.S. Today claiming otherwise is simply untrue” he said.
At the same time, Pistorius stressed that Germany would not react to every single statement Trump makes. “I find it best to let that go. Honestly, if we commented on every remark that comes out daily on social media or press conferences, we would have too much to do and would no longer have time for the truly important matters”.
When asked whether he would address Trump’s comments to fellow U.S. official Pete Hegseth, he answered, “As soon as I see him – of course”.
Pistorius also defended the deployment of Bundeswehr soldiers in a NATO reconnaissance mission to Greenland, saying that the mission, together with other NATO partners, reinforced Germany’s awareness of its responsibility and its duty to contribute to Arctic security. Regarding Trump’s brief threat of tariff duties on European countries that sent troops to Greenland, the minister called it a misunderstanding on Washington’s part. “All NATO partners were informed. The threat had been rescinded by the U.S. president, indicating that a miscommunication arose in Washington. I won’t elaborate further”.
On the broader trans‑Atlantic relationship, Pistorius warned that Europe can no longer depend on the U.S. as it has in the past. He noted that both the Canadian prime minister’s comments in Davos and the German chancellor’s statements underscore a “break in an era”. “Things are changing, and we must adapt” he added.
Finally, the minister expressed confidence in Europe’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its own defence capability. “We are on an excellent path. The Bundeswehr’s procurement is progressing rapidly, personnel numbers are encouraging, and, together with other NATO partners, we are on track to be war‑ready by 2029”. He reiterated that while conventional deterrence remains strong, we will continually improve. “NATO stays central, the U.S. continues to play a key role. We remain steadfast in our goal to make Germany defence‑capable by 2029”.