Legendary rockstar Rod Stewart has launched a blistering public attack on his former friend Donald Trump, demanding the former US president apologises for what he describes as "unbearable" comments about Britain's war dead. The 81-year-old singer delivered his condemnation in a video posted to Instagram, where he branded Trump a "draft dodger" and expressed deep hurt over remarks concerning UK servicemen in Afghanistan.
Stewart's Emotional Condemnation
In his emotional video statement, Stewart said: "I was born just after the war and I have great respect for our armed forces that fought and gave us our freedom. So it hurts me badly, deeply when I read that the draft dodger Trump has criticised our troops in Afghanistan for not being on the frontline." The rockstar continued with palpable emotion: "We lost over 400 of our guys. Think about their parents, think about it and Trump calls them almost like cowards. It's unbearable."
Trump's Controversial NATO Comments
The controversy stems from Trump's recent interview with US media where he suggested NATO troops stayed "a little off the frontlines" during the Afghanistan conflict. He added that "we've never needed them" and "we have never really asked anything of them." These remarks have sparked international fury, with many critics pointing out that Trump himself repeatedly avoided military service during the Vietnam War.
Call for Political Intervention
Stewart has called upon Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to pressure Trump into issuing an apology. The former US president has remained silent on the growing controversy, instead focusing his social media attention on promoting his wife Melania's upcoming Amazon documentary.
A Friendship Turned Sour
What makes Stewart's condemnation particularly notable is his longstanding personal relationship with Trump. The singer admitted in a 2018 interview: "I've known Trump for a long time. I've done concerts for him in his casinos. I live probably three-quarters of a mile down the road from him on the beach in Florida." He acknowledged Trump's personal generosity, saying: "He's always been extremely nice to me. He's let my friends use his golf course for nothing, and I've had no problems with him at all."
The Mar-a-Lago Ban
However, Stewart revealed last year that he no longer attends Trump's lavish parties at Mar-a-Lago, citing his wife Penny Lancaster's firm stance. The model reportedly ended her husband's friendship with the president, claiming he "doesn't treat women very well." Stewart explained: "I used to go to his Christmas party and the balls he held, but my wife said no. There was stuff he was coming out with, what he was saying about women he had known in the past, and Penny said, 'You're not going. He's a disgrace.'"
Stewart's Political Assessment
Despite their personal history, Stewart offered a nuanced political assessment of Trump in his 2018 interview. He stated: "Is he a great president? Nah. I think his moral compass is way off. But on the other hand, the country's doing extremely well - although I believe part of that was down to President Obama. The country was starting to do great anyway; he's just carrying it on." The singer added presciently: "It does seem like the walls are closing in on my dear friend."
The Draft Dodging Allegations
Trump has long faced accusations of "draft dodging" after receiving five deferments during the Vietnam War in the 1960s. Four were for academic reasons and one for bone spurs, or calcium build-up in the heels. During his first presidential campaign, suspicions arose when he was asked about the medical exemption but could not recall which heel had been affected.
Documentary Evidence
Documents held in US archives suggest Trump received student deferments while in college, followed by a medical exemption at age 22 after graduating. Records show he was assessed eight times for military service but was never enlisted. His former lawyer Michael Cohen testified to Congress in 2015 that Trump had told him: "You think I'm stupid, I wasn't going to Vietnam." Cohen added: "Mr Trump claimed (his medical deferment) was because of a bone spur, but when I asked for medical records, he gave me none and said there was no surgery."
Stewart's public condemnation represents a significant moment in the ongoing controversy surrounding Trump's comments about British military personnel, highlighting how even former friends and associates are now speaking out against what they perceive as disrespect toward those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
