Trump isn’t playing anymore games.
At a recent National Guard Association conference, former President Donald Trump delivered a powerful statement regarding the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, asserting his commitment to hold accountable those responsible for the operation’s failure. Addressing a crowd that included National Guard members and their families in Detroit, Trump reflected on the tragic loss of 13 American service members in an ISIS attack during the chaotic evacuation.
Trump did not hold back in his criticism of the current administration’s handling of the withdrawal. He placed the blame squarely on Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden, declaring that their decisions led to a catastrophic decline in America’s global reputation. He emphasized that, if elected, he would demand the resignation of every senior military and diplomatic official involved in the debacle. “We will ask for the resignations of every single senior official who played a part in the Afghanistan calamity. I want those resignations on my desk by noon on Inauguration Day,” Trump stated.
The former president’s remarks echoed his signature style of accountability and decisiveness. He likened the need to fire those responsible to his approach on “The Apprentice,” asserting that poor performance should lead to consequences. Trump criticized the current administration for its lack of accountability, pointing out that no officials have been held responsible despite the severity of the situation.
The 2021 withdrawal saw a disastrous culmination on August 26, when an ISIS-K suicide bomber attacked Abbey Gate at Hamid Karzai International Airport, resulting in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and nearly 200 Afghan civilians. Despite clear warnings and advice from diplomats, the pullout was executed in a rushed and disorganized manner, leaving many Americans and Afghan allies behind.
Trump’s statement reflects his broader campaign promise to restore strong leadership and accountability. He framed the withdrawal as one of the most embarrassing moments in American history and pledged to honor the fallen by ensuring future policies prioritize American interests and security.
