Gold Star mother Paula Knauss Selph has denounced the Biden administration's lack of accountability and leadership in the chaotic withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan, three years after the terrorist attack at Kabul airport that claimed the lives of 13 American service members, including her son.
On the three-year anniversary of the deadly Kabul airport bombing, Gold Star mother Paula Knauss Selph has unleashed a scathing criticism of the Biden administration's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. Speaking on Fox News' "America Reports," Selph expressed her anger and frustration over the lack of accountability and leadership that she believes contributed to the tragedy.
Gold Star Mother Blasts Biden Administration, Calls for Accountability and Leadership in Afghanistan Withdrawal
"On this day in particular, we are all grieving over something that should have never, ever happened the way it did," Selph said, referring to the suicide bombing that killed her son, Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss.
Selph accused the Biden administration of evading responsibility and failing to apologize for the lack of leadership during the withdrawal. "It is the lack of accountability that has really upset the nation on this," she stated. "At least say I'm sorry. At least apologize for a lack of leadership."
Gold Star Mother Blasts Biden Administration, Calls for Accountability and Leadership in Afghanistan Withdrawal
The grieving mother argued that Biden's chaotic withdrawal cost the United States its credibility on the world stage, a sentiment echoed by former President Trump who laid wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery to honor the fallen soldiers. "We lost a lot of credibility in our nation and in our world powers," Selph lamented. "And the only way we will gain it back is if we become a world power again."
Selph also mentioned Trump's visit to her son's grave, expressing her appreciation for his gesture of empathy and support. "He called me right after that, and he expressed his sorrow at the fact that he would have to do that," Selph revealed. "He reminded me that there are good leaders in our nation who will step up when the time comes."
Gold Star Mother Blasts Biden Administration, Calls for Accountability and Leadership in Afghanistan Withdrawal
The announcement of the Congressional Gold Medal being awarded to the families of the victims of the Kabul attack was welcomed by Selph, who said it "brings honor" to the 13 grieving families and to the nation itself. "We will not forget," she added.
Vice President Harris issued a statement on the anniversary, listing the names of those lost and pledging to fulfill the government's obligation to care for troops and their families. However, Shana Chappell, another Gold Star mother who lost her son in the attack, expressed her dissatisfaction with the Biden administration's response.
Gold Star Mother Blasts Biden Administration, Calls for Accountability and Leadership in Afghanistan Withdrawal
"The Biden administration is 100% at fault for why my son lost his life," Chappell said. "Now I look at the way our country is going, and I think this is not what my son died for. He did not die to watch our country go down the path that it's going."
Selph concluded her interview by reiterating her call for accountability and leadership, emphasizing that the nation must prioritize the well-being of its service members and their families. "We have to do better," she said. "We owe it to our fallen heroes and their loved ones."
