Windsor-Essex Veteran Responds to Trump’s NATO Comments

U.S. President Donald Trump recently sparked controversy with his remarks about NATO allies during the Afghanistan war. In an interview with Fox News, he claimed that the United States “never needed” its NATO partners and suggested that allied troops “stayed a little back, a little off the front lines.” These comments have drawn strong criticism from veterans, including Mike Akpata, a retired master corporal who served in Afghanistan.

Akpata, who resides in LaSalle, Ontario, was deployed to Afghanistan in 2007 as part of the Canadian Armed Forces, which saw over 40,000 members serve in the region during the conflict that lasted more than a decade. Reflecting on Trump’s statements, he expressed deep disappointment, emphasizing that Canadian soldiers did not sacrifice their lives for the U.S. or its leaders, but rather for Canadian policy aimed at supporting allies.

During his deployment, Akpata was involved in recovering vehicles that had been damaged by improvised explosive devices (IEDs). He recalled that 22 Canadian soldiers lost their lives during his tour, while a total of 158 Canadians were killed and thousands more were injured between 2001 and 2014.

“I met soldiers on my tour that died in Afghanistan, gave their lives not for the United States or Donald Trump, but for Canadian policy,” Akpata stated. He pointed out that the only time NATO’s Article Five was invoked was in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks, when the alliance came together to support the U.S.

Akpata criticized Trump for what he perceives as an attempt to “divide” allies and assert dominance. He urged the Canadian government and representatives from allied nations to remind Trump of the sacrifices made by their soldiers. “We need to remind him that we spilled our blood,” he said, adding that the government’s response will influence future enlistment in the armed forces.

While Akpata stated that he is no longer hurt by the president’s words, he expressed concern that they might reopen wounds for families of fallen soldiers. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging the contributions made by Canadian forces and their allies. “How the government reacts right now, and how they support their soldiers, veterans, and families of the fallen, will determine the desire for people to serve in the future,” Akpata warned.

As discussions about NATO and military alliances continue, the voices of veterans like Akpata serve as critical reminders of the human cost of conflict and the importance of international solidarity.