CANBERRA / WASHINGTON : Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has issued one of his strongest rebukes yet of US President Donald Trump, calling the American leader’s remarks downplaying the role of non-US troops in Afghanistan “completely unacceptable” and deeply hurtful to the families of fallen Australian soldiers.
The sharp response followed comments made by Trump in a recent Fox News interview in which he claimed NATO allies sent “some troops” to Afghanistan but largely “stayed a little back, a little off the front lines” during the two-decade war. The remarks sparked immediate backlash across Europe and the Indo-Pacific, reviving sensitivities over the sacrifices made by allied forces alongside the United States after the September 11 attacks.
Speaking on ABC Television’s Insiders programme on Sunday, Albanese said Trump’s words had caused real pain for Australians who lost loved ones in the conflict.
“Those 47 Australian families who will be hurting by these comments, they deserve our absolute respect and our admiration,” Albanese said. “The bravery that was shown by the more than 40,000 Australians who served in Afghanistan was unquestionable. They were on the frontlines, shoulder to shoulder with our allies, defending democracy, freedom and Australia’s national interests.”
Australia’s Role In Afghanistan
Australia was one of the earliest and longest-serving contributors to the US-led mission in Afghanistan, deploying forces from 2001 until the final withdrawal in 2021. Australian troops were involved in combat operations, training Afghan security forces and counter-terrorism missions, particularly in Uruzgan province.
Forty-one Australian soldiers were killed during the conflict, while many more were wounded, both physically and psychologically.
Military historians and veterans’ groups have repeatedly emphasised that Australian special forces and conventional units operated in some of the most dangerous areas of the war, often alongside US and British troops.
Trump Partially Walks Back Remarks
As criticism mounted, Trump appeared to soften his stance over the weekend, at least in relation to Britain. On Saturday, a day after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the original comments as “appalling,” Trump posted a message on his Truth Social platform praising British forces.
“The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America!” Trump wrote, noting that 457 British troops had died in Afghanistan and calling them “among the greatest of all warriors.”
Albanese acknowledged the later statement, suggesting it reflected a shift in tone.
“I think President Trump’s comments overnight indicate a very different position. He’s acknowledged the contribution,” the prime minister said. “But the initial comments were entirely not appropriate and completely unacceptable.”
Diplomatic Backdrop And Ambassadorial Change
The dispute comes at a sensitive moment in US-Australia relations, as Canberra prepares for a change in its top diplomatic posting in Washington. Albanese confirmed that Greg Moriarty, a former defence and intelligence official, has been nominated as Australia’s next ambassador to the United States.
Moriarty will replace Kevin Rudd, who is set to leave the role on March 31 after a three-year tenure. Rudd’s ambassadorship was overshadowed by strained personal relations with Trump, who publicly remarked, “I don’t like you either,” during a White House meeting last year.
Rudd had previously criticised Trump sharply while the former president was out of office, comments that resurfaced after Trump’s return to power.
Albanese said Moriarty was an “outstanding Australian public servant” and confirmed that the Australian government had consulted the Trump administration on the appointment, signalling a desire to stabilise relations.
Respect For Allies Under Strain
The episode has renewed debate among US allies about recognition, respect and burden-sharing in past conflicts. For Australia, where the Afghanistan war remains a deeply emotional chapter, Albanese made clear the issue was not merely diplomatic but personal.
“They deserve our respect,” he said, referring to Australian service members and their families. “That must never be questioned, by anyone.”
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