Trump comments criticized by mother of soldier killed in Afghanistan

Trump comments on fallen soldiers have sparked strong criticism after the mother of a Scottish soldier killed in Afghanistan described the remarks as “soul-destroying” and deeply disrespectful to military families.

Mother speaks out on loss and anger

Janette Binnie, who lives in Crimond in Aberdeenshire, lost her son Sean Binnie in May 2009 while he served in Afghanistan. Sean was 22 years old and held the rank of acting sergeant with the Black Watch regiment.

During a patrol in Helmand Province, insurgents shot Sean dead after he threw a grenade while engaging in combat. At the time, he had been married to his wife Amanda for just six months.

Reacting to recent remarks by former US President Donald Trump, Mrs Binnie told BBC Scotland News that the comments left her angry and deeply upset.

“I have never heard so much nonsense,” she said. “We were all fighting the same war, and my son worked alongside American troops.”

‘They were on the front line’

According to Mrs. Binnie, Trump’s comments diminish the sacrifices made by soldiers who fought and died in Afghanistan.

“How can he say they weren’t on the front lines when they were out there fighting?” she asked. “In doing so, he reduces everything our children gave.”

Moreover, she said the remarks reopened painful memories for families who lost loved ones in combat and felt like a denial of their service and sacrifice.

Call for understanding from political leaders

Despite her anger, the grieving mother said she would welcome the chance to speak directly to Trump about the realities of military life.

“I would tell him what it means to be an Army wife and an Army mother,” she explained. “I would also explain what it is like to lose a child in those circumstances, something he knows nothing about.”

As a result, her comments reflect wider concerns shared by veterans’ families, who argue that political leaders must choose their words carefully when discussing the sacrifices of service members.

Context and wider reaction

Meanwhile, the comments have reignited debate about how world leaders speak about fallen soldiers. In particular, families of troops killed in Iraq and Afghanistan continue to call for greater respect, recognition, and sensitivity toward military service and loss.