Fans have reacted positively to a pointed remark from Jeremy Clarkson, after the television presenter appeared to take aim at Donald Trump amid renewed controversy over the former US president’s comments about Britain’s armed forces.
The star of Amazon Prime’s hit series Clarkson’s Farm entered the debate following criticism levelled at Mr Trump over remarks concerning Nato allies’ roles in Afghanistan. Mr Clarkson, who owns and runs Diddly Squat Farm, is based in an area with strong military connections, not least through the presence of RAF Brize Norton, the UK’s largest Royal Air Force station.
The controversy began last week when Mr Trump suggested that while Nato allies had deployed troops to Afghanistan, some had “stayed a little back, a little off the front lines”. The comments prompted anger and disbelief in the UK, where British forces fought alongside American troops following the 9/11 attacks. Over the course of the conflict, 457 British service personnel lost their lives.
Following the backlash, Mr Trump issued a fresh statement on January 24, in which he praised the “great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom” and acknowledged the sacrifices made by British forces during the campaign.
The revised remarks were welcomed by some political figures. Rupert Lowe, formerly of Reform UK, described the statement as “very honourable”, suggesting it represented a clear attempt by the former president to correct the record.
Mr Clarkson, however, appeared unconvinced. Responding directly to Mr Lowe on social media, the broadcaster offered a brief but pointed reply: “Well now it just isn’t.”
The remark quickly drew attention online, with many fans expressing approval of the outspoken presenter’s stance. Some responded with humour, while others voiced support for what they saw as a defence of British service personnel. Several commenters referenced friends or family members who had served in Afghanistan, with some questioning the sincerity of Mr Trump’s clarification.
Others echoed long-standing scepticism about political apologies, suggesting that the revised statement failed to undo the damage caused by the original comments.
Not all reactions were supportive, however. A number of users criticised Mr Clarkson for weighing in on the issue at all, arguing that Mr Trump’s follow-up statement should be taken at face value. Some urged the broadcaster to stay out of political debates, while others accused him of stirring unnecessary division.
Despite the mixed response, the exchange once again highlighted Mr Clarkson’s willingness to voice strong opinions beyond farming and television—often to the approval, and irritation, of an engaged and vocal audience.
