Senator Tom Cotton sharply criticized President Biden and Vice President Harris for their absence at the dignified transfer of American military troops killed in Afghanistan, alleging their "incompetence" resulted in the deaths of the 13 soldiers.
Senator Tom Cotton has lambasted President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for their absence at the dignified transfer of American military troops killed during the Afghanistan withdrawal. In an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press," Cotton accused the Biden-Harris administration of ignoring the families of the fallen soldiers and contributing to their deaths through their "incompetence."
"Joe Biden and Kamala Harris — where were they? Joe Biden was sitting at a beach. Kamala Harris was sitting at her mansion in Washington, D.C. She was four miles away — ten minutes. She could've gone to the cemetery and honored the sacrifice of those young men and women, but she hasn't. She never has spoken to them or taken a meeting with them," Cotton told NBC's Kristen Welker.
Biden and Harris' Absence at Fallen 13 Dignified Transfer Ignites Outrage
Welker interjected, stating that Biden and Harris met with the families during the dignified transfer. NBC subsequently posted a correction on its "Meet the Press" X account, acknowledging that it had "incorrectly implied" that Harris attended the event.
Cotton's criticism echoed the sentiments expressed by Gold Star families who have voiced their disappointment over the Biden-Harris administration's lack of engagement with them. Despite reaching out to the administration, the families have not received any response from either Biden or Harris.
Biden and Harris' Absence at Fallen 13 Dignified Transfer Ignites Outrage
"At least Biden sent us a form letter," said Christy Shamblin, mother of fallen U.S. Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee. "I think one of the most devastating parts of having the administration really just ignore this and not speak their names and speak to us, is that you start to feel like your loss is really in vain."
The families' frustration stems not only from the absence of condolences but also from the Biden-Harris administration's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, which they believe led to the deaths of their loved ones.
Biden and Harris' Absence at Fallen 13 Dignified Transfer Ignites Outrage
"It is because of her and Joe Biden's incompetence that those 13 Americans were killed in Afghanistan," Cotton asserted.
In contrast, former President Donald Trump attended the Arlington National Cemetery at the request of Gold Star families, drawing praise for his respectful demeanor.
"The Trump team is very, very respectful and cognizant. They wanted to be respectful to everyone there," Shamblin said.
The families' criticism and Cotton's allegations have sparked controversy, highlighting the deep divide over the Afghanistan withdrawal and the Biden-Harris administration's perceived neglect of military families.
