Archive · 26 Jan 2026
German Minister Urges Trump Apology
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is asking U.S. President Donald Trump to say he's sorry for something he said about Germany and other countries helping in Afghanistan.
Trump said these countries didn't help enough, but Pistorius says that's not true and it's disrespectful to the soldiers who died.
Many people, including the leaders of other countries, agree with Pistorius.
Trump hasn't said he's sorry yet.
Pistorius also says Germany is working to make its military stronger so it doesn't have to rely on the U.S. as much.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius urges U.S. President Donald Trump to apologize for remarks about NATO allies' role in Afghanistan.
Trump's comments were considered disrespectful to the soldiers who served and died in Afghanistan.
Thousands of German troops participated in NATO missions in Afghanistan, with 59 casualties.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also criticized Trump's remarks, calling them 'frankly appalling'.
Pistorius emphasizes the need for Europe to reduce its dependence on the U.S. for defense and aims to rebuild Germany's military strength by 2029.
- Who
- German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and U.S. President Donald Trump
- What
- Pistorius urges Trump to apologize for remarks about NATO allies' role in Afghanistan
- When
- January 26, 2024
- Where
- Berlin, Germany
- Why
- Trump's remarks were considered disrespectful to NATO allies who served in Afghanistan
German Defense Minister
Trump Administration
Apology for Remarks
German Defense Minister
Boris Pistorius urges Trump to apologize for disrespectful remarks about NATO allies' role in Afghanistan, calling it a sign of decency and respect.
Trump Administration
Trump administration officials have been critical of European countries for not meeting NATO spending targets and being dependent on the U.S. for defense.
- German Troops in Afghanistan
- Thousands
- German Casualties
- 59
- British Casualties
- 457
- German Military Goal
- Achieve full strength by 2029
- Trump's Remarks
- Accused allies of staying off the front lines in Afghanistan