Photo credit: www.foxnews.com
Controversy Surrounds Dignified Transfer of Troops Following Afghanistan Withdrawal
The recent remarks by NBC’s Kristen Welker regarding Vice President Kamala Harris’s absence during the dignified transfer of U.S. troops who lost their lives during the Afghanistan withdrawal have sparked significant backlash.
On NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Senator Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) criticized both President Biden and Harris for what he perceived as their neglect towards the families of these fallen soldiers. During the segment, he expressed his discontent, stating, “Joe Biden was sitting at a beach. Kamala Harris was sitting at her mansion in Washington, D.C. She could’ve gone to the cemetery and honored the sacrifice of those young men and women, but she hasn’t.” Cotton emphasized that due to the incompetence of both leaders, the deaths of the 13 Americans in Afghanistan occurred.
In a rebuttal, Welker suggested that Biden and Harris had met the families during the dignified transfer, insisting, “They did meet them during the dignified transfer. They were with them at the dignified transfer.”
TRUMP SUPPORTERS, GOLD STAR FAMILIES FLOOD HARRIS’ X ACCOUNT AFTER ARLINGTON ATTACK: ADMIN ‘KILLED MY SON’
Following the broadcast, it became clear that NBC had made an error in implying that both Biden and Harris were present during the solemn event. The network later issued a correction on its X account, clarifying that while Biden attended, Harris did not.
This event gained further attention as President Biden was photographed during the dignified transfer, notably checking his watch multiple times, a gesture that many interpreted as insensitive at such a significant moment. In contrast, former President Trump visited Arlington National Cemetery, fulfilling a request from Gold Star families who sought to commemorate the third anniversary of the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal.
Christy Shamblin, the mother of fallen U.S. Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee, one of the 13 service members killed, praised the Trump team’s respectful approach during their visit. She remarked, “The Trump team is very, very respectful and cognizant. They wanted to be respectful to everyone there.”
HARRIS SLAMS TRUMP OVER ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY ALTERCATION, PROMPTING FIERY RESPONSE FROM JD VANCE
During a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Trump was accompanied by Shamblin, who expressed appreciation for the organization of the event and lamented the mainstream media’s portrayal of the families involved. She criticized the media for focusing on conflicts instead of honoring the sacrifices made by the fallen soldiers. “The big news stories that the mainstream media covers about the [Fallen] 13 aren’t stories of honor and respect,” she noted.
Moreover, the families of the 13 service members have voiced their disappointment over the administration’s lack of outreach. Despite making attempts to connect, many families indicate they have not received personal communication from Biden or Harris, with Shamblin stating, “At least Biden sent us a form letter. I think one of the most devastating parts of having the administration really just ignore this and not speak their names… is that you start to feel like your loss is really in vain.”
The growing frustration among Gold Star families reflects a broader concern regarding the administration’s engagement with the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. This scenario continues to draw attention as the nation grapples with the ramifications of the Afghanistan withdrawal and its lasting effects on both service members and their families.
Source
www.foxnews.com