Sir Rod Stewart has delivered a scathing public rebuke to former US President Donald Trump, branding him a "draft dodger" and demanding an apology for controversial remarks about British armed forces in Afghanistan. The rock icon, who was once close friends and neighbours with Trump in Florida, posted an emotional video on Instagram condemning the presidential candidate's comments as "unbearable."
From Neighbourly Friendship to Public Feud
The 81-year-old music legend revealed that his relationship with Trump has completely deteriorated since the businessman entered politics. "I knew him very, very well. I used to go to his house," Stewart recalled, referring to Christmas parties and social gatherings they once shared as neighbours living just half a mile apart on the same Florida beachfront. However, Stewart now states unequivocally: "Since he became president, he became another guy. Somebody I didn't know."
Stewart's Emotional Defence of British Troops
In his Instagram video, filmed before a grand fireplace, Stewart spoke passionately about his respect for the armed forces and his personal connection to wartime sacrifice. "I was born just after the war, and I have great respect for our armed forces that fought and gave us our freedom," said the knighted musician. His anger was specifically directed at Trump's suggestion that NATO troops in Afghanistan "stayed a little back, a little off the front lines" during Fox News interviews.
"It hurts me badly, deeply, when I read that draft dodger Trump has criticised our troops in Afghanistan for not being on the front line," Stewart declared. "We lost over 400 of our guys. Think of their parents. Think about it. And Trump calls them almost like cowards."
The 'Draft Dodger' Accusation Explained
Stewart's "draft dodger" reference relates to Trump's military service history during the Vietnam War era. Trump received five student deferments while attending university, which legally exempted him from conscription. On the fifth occasion when he was called up, he obtained a medical exemption for reported bone spurs in his heels. This history has long been a point of contention in Trump's political career and formed the basis of Stewart's pointed criticism.
Political Call to Action
The rock star concluded his emotional address with a direct appeal to British political leaders. "So I'm calling on you, Prime Minister Starmer and Farage, please make the draft dodger Trump apologise. Please," Stewart urged before saluting and walking away from the camera. His intervention adds to growing criticism from British armed forces families, politicians, and fellow celebrities who have expressed outrage at Trump's characterisation of NATO's military efforts in Afghanistan.
Trump's Response Falls Short of Apology
Following the widespread backlash, Trump posted a statement on social media praising British troops but stopping well short of the apology Stewart demanded. "The GREAT and very BRAVE soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States of America!" Trump wrote. "In Afghanistan, 457 died, many were badly injured, and they were among the greatest of all warriors. It's a bond too strong to ever be broken."
While acknowledging British casualties and praising military cooperation, Trump's response notably avoided addressing his original comments about troops staying back from front lines or engaging with Stewart's personal criticism. The exchange highlights how a once-friendly relationship between two high-profile figures has transformed into a very public political disagreement, with Stewart using his platform to challenge a former friend over comments he finds deeply offensive to British service personnel and their families.
