Former President Donald Trump is expected to address Vice President Kamala Harris on the third anniversary of the Abbey Gate bombing that claimed the lives of 13 Americans during the Biden administration's Afghanistan withdrawal. Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, paid his respects to the fallen service members at a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery before heading to Michigan to speak at the National Guard Association of the United States conference.
The deadly suicide bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport on August 26, 2021, resulted in the deaths of 13 American service members and over 100 Afghans, with the Islamic State group claiming responsibility for the attack. Trump has been focusing on Harris and her involvement in foreign policy decisions since President Biden announced he would not seek re-election. He highlighted Harris' statements about being the last person in the room before the decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan was made.
Biden and Harris released separate statements on the anniversary of the Abbey Gate bombing, honoring the fallen troops by listing their names. Harris expressed her condolences and admiration for the 13 American heroes who sacrificed their lives in service of their country.
Democrats have accused Trump of disrespecting veterans, citing alleged remarks about World War II soldiers. During Trump's presidency, the U.S. signed a peace agreement with the Taliban to end the long-standing conflict in Afghanistan. Biden later referenced this agreement when explaining the decision to withdraw troops and the subsequent chaos in Afghanistan.
A review conducted by the Biden administration acknowledged delays in evacuating Americans and allies from Afghanistan, attributing them to various factors including the Afghan government, military, and U.S. military and intelligence assessments. Top military officials involved in the evacuation criticized the administration for inadequate planning, with Gen. Mark Milley recommending a residual force of 2,500 troops to provide support.
