Australian Veterans Outraged by Trump's Claim Allied Troops 'Stayed Back' from Frontlines
The comments made by US President Donald Trump on Fox News have left many Australian veterans feeling let down, with some labeling them "unfathomable" and "cowardly". Trump claimed that during the US-led campaign in Afghanistan, allied soldiers "stayed a little back" from the frontlines.
Peter Tinley, national president of the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL), has categorically rejected Trump's comments. He described them as a "massive slur" against Australian veterans who fought alongside Americans in Afghanistan. The US lost 47 personnel during the campaign, while Australia lost 261 wounded soldiers and almost 40,000 served.
Tinley's sentiments were echoed by Andrew Hastie, a former troop commander and Liberal leader aspirant. He called Trump's remarks "a massive slur" that undermines the values of coalition building and mutual respect between allies. Hastie added that the US president's comments showed "neither restraint nor respect".
The RSL has been critical of Trump's claims, with Tinley saying they are "sensitive as throwing paint on a war memorial". The organization is urging the Australian government to clarify the implications of Trump's comments for future cooperation between Australia and the US.
Meanwhile, Jennifer Parker, a non-resident fellow at the Lowy Institute, has argued that Trump's remarks were "deeply disrespectful" to those who served under the Nato-led mission. She emphasized the importance of allies and respect from our closest allies, particularly in difficult strategic times.
The Australian government has condemned Trump's comments, stating that they are not representative of US values or professionalism. The RSL is encouraging ex-service members to reach out for support if they're experiencing emotional challenges as a result of the news.
As the fallout from Trump's remarks continues, many Australians are left feeling outraged and disappointed by the US president's words. The comments serve as a stark reminder of the importance of respect and understanding in international relations, particularly when it comes to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
The comments made by US President Donald Trump on Fox News have left many Australian veterans feeling let down, with some labeling them "unfathomable" and "cowardly". Trump claimed that during the US-led campaign in Afghanistan, allied soldiers "stayed a little back" from the frontlines.
Peter Tinley, national president of the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL), has categorically rejected Trump's comments. He described them as a "massive slur" against Australian veterans who fought alongside Americans in Afghanistan. The US lost 47 personnel during the campaign, while Australia lost 261 wounded soldiers and almost 40,000 served.
Tinley's sentiments were echoed by Andrew Hastie, a former troop commander and Liberal leader aspirant. He called Trump's remarks "a massive slur" that undermines the values of coalition building and mutual respect between allies. Hastie added that the US president's comments showed "neither restraint nor respect".
The RSL has been critical of Trump's claims, with Tinley saying they are "sensitive as throwing paint on a war memorial". The organization is urging the Australian government to clarify the implications of Trump's comments for future cooperation between Australia and the US.
Meanwhile, Jennifer Parker, a non-resident fellow at the Lowy Institute, has argued that Trump's remarks were "deeply disrespectful" to those who served under the Nato-led mission. She emphasized the importance of allies and respect from our closest allies, particularly in difficult strategic times.
The Australian government has condemned Trump's comments, stating that they are not representative of US values or professionalism. The RSL is encouraging ex-service members to reach out for support if they're experiencing emotional challenges as a result of the news.
As the fallout from Trump's remarks continues, many Australians are left feeling outraged and disappointed by the US president's words. The comments serve as a stark reminder of the importance of respect and understanding in international relations, particularly when it comes to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
At the same time, I don't wanna be too harsh and assume everyone at Fox News is a total Trump fanatic... maybe some of them were genuinely trying to stir up controversy 
. The RSL guys are totally right in calling out Trump's remarks though - it's not cool to trash the sacrifices made by Aussie vets like that 
.
. I mean, come on, 261 wounded soldiers? That's not something to be taken lightly, and to imply that they're some sort of cowards is just wrong 
. And what really gets my goat is that he's questioning the values of our alliance with the US – like, what's next? Are we gonna start doubting the bravery of our own troops too? 
. We need to stand up for ourselves and our mates who have served their country with courage and honor 
.
the us gov should really speak up on this one 
i dont think trump is being truthful about that afghanistan thing... like, 261 aussies got hurt? and we were fighting alongside us troops? cant he just apologize or somethin 
? its not cool how aussie veterans r feeling let down by his comments. and what if other countries think the same of him? 
peter tinley is right, its a massive slur & i cant even imagine how hurtful it must b 4 our ex-servicemen & women to hear trump say such rubbish 
Peter Tinley from RSL is speaking truth, no way would our blokes "stay back" from the frontlines - that's a massive slur! 
The US government needs to speak out against this kind of stuff ASAP. it's time to call out those kinds of comments for what they are - just plain hurtful. 
.