The White House has pushed back on a report released by Republican lawmakers criticizing President Biden's 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, calling it partisan and offering "little or nothing new."
In a forceful rebuttal, White House National Security Council communications adviser John Kirby defended President Biden's handling of the withdrawal from Afghanistan, providing a detailed account of the administration's actions and refuting key criticisms raised by the Republican report.
Kirby highlighted the challenging circumstances inherited from the previous administration, including the Doha Agreement, which mandated a complete U.S. withdrawal by May 2021. He emphasized that the decision to abide by this agreement was made in the interest of ending America's longest war and ensuring the safety of the nation.
White House Rebuts GOP Report on Afghanistan Withdrawal
Responding to allegations of inadequate planning for evacuations, Kirby detailed the steps taken from spring 2021 to prepare for the withdrawal, including the proposal for additional military units in the region. He also addressed the decision not to secure Bagram Air Base, explaining that it would have required thousands of additional troops and posed significant risks to evacuees.
Kirby strongly denied allegations that U.S. equipment was handed over to the Taliban, stating that it had been provided to Afghan security forces over the course of two decades and left behind when those forces surrendered.
White House Rebuts GOP Report on Afghanistan Withdrawal
Regarding the terror threat, Kirby acknowledged the failure to adequately respond to the ISIS-K bombing at Abbey Gate, but emphasized the ongoing efforts to counter terrorism in Afghanistan and the measures taken to secure the airport.
Kirby also rejected claims that the administration deceived or lied during the withdrawal, stating that every effort was made to keep the American public informed and that the administration conducted thorough after-action reports that were shared publicly.
White House Rebuts GOP Report on Afghanistan Withdrawal
In conclusion, Kirby presented a comprehensive defense of the administration's actions in Afghanistan, rebutting the GOP report's criticisms and providing a detailed account of the challenges faced and the efforts made to ensure a responsible and safe withdrawal.
Fox News Digital's Landon Mion contributed to this report.
White House Rebuts GOP Report on Afghanistan Withdrawal
