Reports indicate President Donald Trump’s transition team is preparing to scrutinize the Biden administration’s handling of the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal. According to NBC News, a commission may be formed to identify key military decision-makers and assess how the withdrawal was executed.
The evacuation, which resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and left Afghanistan under Taliban control, has been widely criticized as a failure. Sources close to Trump’s team suggest the investigation could even explore whether military officials involved in the process might face charges as severe as treason.
The Biden administration’s decision to withdraw all U.S. troops, against the advice of military advisers, led to a swift collapse of the U.S.-backed Afghan government. This prompted chaos as civilians and American allies attempted to flee. Trump had initiated negotiations with the Taliban during his presidency but left office before finalizing the terms.
In response to criticism, Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign accused Trump of leaving the Biden administration “with zero plans” for an organized withdrawal. However, Gold Star families of the 13 fallen service members have defended Trump, blasting Harris’s comments as disrespectful.
Trump has not minced words when addressing the withdrawal, calling it “incompetent” and “humiliating.” His focus on the issue aligns with his ongoing critique of the Biden administration’s national security policies.
The reported commission would likely resonate with conservatives concerned about military accountability and the broader implications of the Afghanistan withdrawal. With 2024 fast approaching, this investigation could spotlight Biden’s leadership failures in a key area of voter concern.
