Detroit, Michigan – Former President Donald Trump recently criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for her role in the chaotic Afghanistan War withdrawal. He linked Harris to the suicide bombing that killed 13 U.S. service members three years ago. Trump spoke at the National Guard Association of the United States conference in Detroit, where he honored the fallen soldiers from the Hamid Karzai International Airport attack.
The Biden administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan followed a plan negotiated by the Trump administration with the Taliban in 2020. A government-appointed investigator’s review in 2022 highlighted decisions made by both Trump and President Joe Biden as contributing factors to the rapid collapse of Afghanistan and the Taliban’s takeover.
Trump has shifted his focus to Harris, the current Democratic presidential nominee, and her involvement in foreign policy decisions since Biden opted out of running for reelection. He highlighted Harris’s statement about being the last person in the room before Biden made the decision regarding Afghanistan.
In response, Harris expressed her condolences to the families of the fallen service members and emphasized the administration’s commitment to countering terrorist threats. Biden also acknowledged the sacrifice of the 13 Americans killed in the Kabul attack, calling them patriots who embodied the best of the nation.
Meanwhile, at the Republican National Convention, family members of the fallen service members criticized Biden for not publicly recognizing their loved ones. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that Congress will posthumously honor the 13 service members by presenting their families with the Congressional Gold Medal next month.
The peace agreement between the U.S. and Taliban signed during Trump’s tenure aimed to end the country’s longest war. Biden later cited this agreement as binding him to withdraw troops, deflecting blame for the chaos in Afghanistan that ensued.
An administration review of the withdrawal acknowledged delays in evacuating Americans and allies from Afghanistan, attributing them to various factors including the Afghan government and military, as well as U.S. military and intelligence assessments. Top military officials overseeing the evacuation criticized the administration for inadequate planning.
Former Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley had recommended maintaining a larger residual force to provide support, but Biden chose a smaller force focused on embassy security. The aftermath of the chaotic withdrawal continues to be a topic of debate and scrutiny within the political landscape.