U.S. Ambassador: Trump’s claim about NATO troops staying behind not directed at Dutch

U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands Joseph Popolo said Monday that President Donald Trump’s remarks about non-American NATO troops allegedly avoiding frontline duties in Afghanistan were not aimed at Dutch forces.

“I have seen no indication that the president’s comments were directed at the Netherlands. The United States recognizes and honors the Dutch heroes who gave their lives while fighting shoulder to shoulder with Americans in Afghanistan,” Popolo said on X.

Popolo described the controversy as a “misunderstanding.” He told an ANP reporter, “It was clear to me that the president did not mean this.” Adding, "We have a unique relationship with the Netherlands.”

The ambassador also said that he had extensive contact with various Dutch groups after Trump’s remarks. “That was one of the reasons to clarify the misunderstanding, so people would not think it was about them. It was important for both the president and me that the Dutch population understands how much we value and respect their contributions,” Popolo said.

Trump made the comments during a Fox News interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Dutch caretaker Foreign Minister David van Weel said Friday that Trump’s statements were untrue and showed a lack of respect toward NATO allies who served in Afghanistan.

The Netherlands joined the coalition in Afghanistan following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, after the United States invoked Article 5 of the NATO treaty. Twenty-five Dutch soldiers died during the ensuing conflict.

His remarks drew widespread criticism from NATO allies. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the statements “offensive and downright appalling” on Friday, noting that 457 British service members were killed in Afghanistan and that Trump’s words caused considerable pain for families of the fallen. On Saturday, Trump partially walked back his statement, calling the British troops in Afghanistan “the greatest of all warriors.”