Former Trump administration Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called on Vice President Kamala Harris to explain the “catastrophic failures” that led to the deaths of 13 U.S. troops during the Biden-Harris administration's disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan three years ago Monday.
Appearing on X on the third anniversary of the Abbey Gate bombing at Kabul International Airport in Afghanistan, Pompeo asked Haass, who was “the last person in the room” during the withdrawal decision process, for an explanation.
Three years ago today, 13 American soldiers lost their lives at Abbey Gate during the Biden-Harris Administration's disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. Susan and I are praying for their families and loved ones today.
Don't get me wrong. That tragedy was a defining moment for…
— Mike Pompeo (@mikepompeo) August 26, 2024
“Three years ago today, 13 American soldiers lost their lives at Abbey Gate during the Biden-Harris Administration's harrowing withdrawal from Afghanistan. Susan and I are praying for their families and loved ones today,” Pompeo wrote.
He called the tragedy “an emblematic moment that shows this administration's legacy of weakness and failure.”
“None of the politicians involved in this disgrace are fit to lead our country, yet Kamala Harris claims she was 'the last person in the room' during the withdrawal decision-making process,” Pompeo said, demanding an explanation from Harris.
“She owes America an explanation for her administration's catastrophic failure that took the lives of 13 amazing warriors,” he said.
The post came shortly after former President Donald Trump participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in northern Virginia to honor 13 fallen military personnel. Harris and President Joe Biden were conspicuously absent from the ceremony.
Related — Donald Trump visits Arlington National Cemetery on anniversary of Afghanistan airport attack
Chris LaCivita
“After years of disparaging military personnel, Trump panders to support for veterans' families.” We have now amended the headline. pic.twitter.com/Z05feNkxNI
— Sergeant Gonel Aquilino (@SergeantAqGo) August 26, 2024
The dead include 11 Marines, one Navy medic and one Army soldier.
Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Darin T. Huber, 31, of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Marine Corps Sergeant Johannie Rosario Pichardo, 25, of Lawrence, Massachusetts.
Nicole L. Gee, a 23-year-old Marine Sergeant from Sacramento, California.
Marine Corporal Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, California.
Marine Corporal Dagan W. Page, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska.
Marine Corporal Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Indiana;
Marine Corporal David L. Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas;
Marine Corporal Jared M. Schmitz, 20, of St. Charles, Missouri;
Marine Corps Lance Corporal Riley J. McCollum, age 20, of Jackson, Wyoming.
Marine Corps Lance Corporal Dylan R. Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, California;
Marine Corporal Kareem M. Nikoui, 20, of Norco, California;
Maxton W. Sobiak, 22, a Naval Hospital Officer from Berlin Heights, Ohio;
Army Sergeant Ryan C. Knaus, age 23, of Coryton, Tennessee.
“The incompetence and weakness demonstrated by the Biden-Harris Administration is an insult to every soldier, sailor, airman and Marine who has ever served in the United States Armed Forces,” Trump said in a video on Monday.
President Trump: “Three years ago, Kamala and Biden's incompetence led to the deaths of 13 soldiers, the deaths or serious injuries of hundreds of civilians, and the abandonment of $85 billion worth of the finest military equipment on the planet to the Taliban.” pic.twitter.com/HqVygxNxBT
— Team Trump (text TRUMP to 88022) (@TeamTrump) August 26, 2024
“As we mark this tragic event, we mourn with the families of the great American heroes who lost their lives three years ago, and we vow to never forget the supreme sacrifice they made for our country,” he added.
