US President Donald Trump made remarks about Afghanistan during the G7 Summit in France on June 17, 2026, claiming the Afghan Taliban government is now seeking American favour and suggesting the United States may recover military equipment left behind after its 2021 withdrawal.
At the summit, Trump stated that the withdrawal items are “a little old now,” and of “symbolic value,” but that they can be recovered, albeit difficult. In his remarks, which reflect his administration’s assessment of its leverage over Kabul, he told reporters that “Afghanistan is kissing our ass”.
The comments come at a sensitive moment in Afghanistan-Pakistan relations. Last week, Russia intensified Afghan-Pak tensions at the UN Security Council, claiming TTP activity was the main cause of instability. Pakistan has conducted airstrikes in Afghan territory for the locating of TTP and Hafiz Gul Bahadur camps in Kunar, Paktika and Khost provinces.
In his comments, Trump indicated that Washington has a great deal of influence over Kabul, which, if true, would have ramifications for the Afghan Taliban’s response to external pressure on the TTP issue. Whether such influence will manifest in action in relation to cross-border militancy is yet to be seen.
The Afghan government has not responded to Trump’s remarks.
