Image credits - Fox News
Advertisement
Former President Donald Trump visited Arlington National Cemetery to mark the third anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Family members of the 13 American soldiers killed in the Abbey Gate bombing during the chaotic evacuation attended the ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Trump, accompanied by these families, participated in a wreath-laying ceremony, descending the steps to lay a wreath, then ascending and repeating the process multiple times. The solemn occasion included the playing of “Taps,” with Trump using the moment to further his criticisms of the current administration’s handling of the withdrawal.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump condemned the Afghanistan withdrawal as the “most embarrassing moment” in U.S. history, accusing Biden and Harris of “gross incompetence.” He criticized the decision to withdraw troops before ensuring the safety of all U.S. personnel and equipment, and he argued that the withdrawal led to global instability, citing subsequent events like the Russian invasion of Ukraine and attacks on Israel.
Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden both issued statements on the anniversary, reflecting on the sacrifices of the 13 soldiers and defending their administration’s decisions. Harris emphasized the courage of those who served and reiterated the administration’s commitment to counterterrorism, while Biden’s statement mourned the loss and honored the service of the fallen soldiers.
In a related development, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) announced that Congress will award the Congressional Gold Medal to the families of the soldiers killed in the withdrawal. This move underscores ongoing legislative efforts to recognize and honor the sacrifices made during the U.S. military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Trump’s remarks and the ceremony have intensified the political debate surrounding the Afghanistan withdrawal, highlighting the deep divisions over the handling of U.S. foreign policy and military strategy.