JD Vance with tears in their eyes make the sad announcement

Military and Veterans Response

British service members who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan led the criticism, with 636 British troops having died in those operations. Veterans Johnny Mercer and Andy McNab accused Vance of displaying insufficient respect for allied forces, according to statements released by their offices.

Retired senior military officers joined the outcry. Lord West and General Sir Patrick Sanders emphasized the longstanding partnership and mutual sacrifices between British and American forces in a joint statement.