Vice President Kamala Harris is facing scrutiny from Republicans for her involvement in the Biden administration's decision to withdraw troops from Afghanistan. Critics argue that her admission to being "the last person in the room" when Biden made the call shows her culpability in the disastrous outcome.
Vice President Kamala Harris is under fire for her role in the Biden administration's withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan. Republicans have seized upon her admission to being "the last person in the room" with President Biden when the decision was made, arguing that this indicates her involvement in the disastrous outcome.
Kamala Harris Under Fire for Afghanistan Withdrawal Role
The anniversary of the deadly suicide bombing at Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport, which claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members and injured others, has brought renewed attention to Harris' role. In an April 2021 interview with CNN's Dana Bash, Harris stated that she was "comfortable" with Biden's decision to evacuate Afghanistan and admired his courage for making the call.
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo led the charge against Harris, calling her remarks "morally abhorrent." He demanded a full explanation of her role in the withdrawal, which he labeled a "disaster." House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed Pompeo's sentiments, Honoring the fallen service members and condemning the withdrawal as "disastrous."
Kamala Harris Under Fire for Afghanistan Withdrawal Role
North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum went further, asserting that Harris should share the blame for the withdrawal alongside Biden. "She brags about being the last person in the room with Biden when they made this decision," Burgum said, adding that the decision was driven by political motives.
Kelly Loeffler, a former Georgia senator, condemned Harris for her "most tragic" failure: "being 'the last person in the room' to authorize the chaotic exit from Afghanistan." Dave McCormick, a Republican Senate candidate from Pennsylvania, accused Harris of being "proud to be the last person in the room" despite the deadly consequences of the withdrawal.
Kamala Harris Under Fire for Afghanistan Withdrawal Role
Republicans also criticized Harris for omitting the names of the 13 service members killed in the Kabul airport bombing from her recent speech at the Democratic National Convention. "It was the deadliest day for Americans in Afghanistan in over a decade and, to this day, neither Biden nor Harris have said the names of our fallen soldiers," said Rep. Nicole Malliotakis.
The Trump campaign released a video on the anniversary of the bombing, highlighting the Gold Star families who lost loved ones and accusing Harris of never mentioning their names.
Kamala Harris Under Fire for Afghanistan Withdrawal Role
Fox News reached out to the Harris campaign for comment but did not receive a response.
Harris' role in the Afghanistan withdrawal remains a subject of controversy, with critics demanding accountability for the disastrous outcome. Republicans continue to pressure Harris to explain her involvement and the extent of her influence in the administration's decision-making process.
