Rock icon Rod Stewart sparks backlash after posting a fiery video calling out Donald Trump over comments about NATO troops.
Rod Stewart is once again proving he’s not afraid to speak his mind — even when it comes to world leaders.
The legendary singer, best known for timeless hits like “Maggie May” and “Tonight’s the Night,” made headlines this week after posting a strongly worded video on Instagram criticizing U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks about NATO troops who served in Afghanistan.
Trump’s comments came during a Jan. 22 interview with Fox News at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he downplayed NATO’s role in the Afghanistan war, suggesting allied troops stayed away from the front lines. The remarks didn’t sit well with Stewart, who responded the following day with an emotional message.
In the video, Stewart stressed his deep respect for the military, saying he was born shortly after World War II and grew up understanding the sacrifices made by armed forces. He said reading Trump’s comments was deeply upsetting, especially considering the lives lost during the conflict.
Stewart highlighted that more than 400 British service members died in Afghanistan, urging viewers to think about the families left behind. He described Trump’s words as insulting and painful, adding that criticism of fallen soldiers crosses a line.
The singer also directly addressed U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, calling on them to pressure Trump into issuing an apology. Throughout the video, phrases like “Honor them,” “Disgraceful,” and “Take a stand” appeared on the screen, underscoring Stewart’s message. He ended the clip with a formal salute.
This isn’t the first time Stewart has publicly clashed with Trump. In recent years, he has criticized U.S. leadership for distancing America from its European allies and has voiced strong support for Ukraine. During live performances, Stewart has even transformed his 1991 song “Rhythm of My Heart” into an anti-war anthem.
Trump’s military history has long been a topic of controversy. In 2019, his former lawyer Michael Cohen testified that Trump avoided military service during the Vietnam War due to a medical deferment, a claim that has fueled ongoing criticism.
Stewart’s post quickly gained attention online, with fans praising him for speaking out while others debated whether musicians should weigh in on politics at all.
Love it or hate it, one thing is clear: Rod Stewart isn’t backing down — and he’s using his platform to make sure his voice is heard.
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PHOTO CREDIT: Instagram/@sirrodstewart
