During a press conference in Pennsylvania on Monday, former President Donald J. Trump delivered a scathing critique of the U.S. military’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, labeling it “the most embarrassing day in the history of our country.”
Trump contrasted the Biden administration’s handling of the withdrawal with his own record, highlighting that during his presidency, the U.S. had avoided new wars and had successfully defeated the ISIS caliphate, claiming, “We had no wars, other than I finished some, like ISIS—100 percent defeated, 100 percent of the ISIS caliphate.”
He expressed outrage over what he described as the chaotic and costly exit from Afghanistan, lamenting the loss of American lives and the injuries suffered by soldiers. “We lost 13 great, great people,” Trump said, referring to the U.S. service members killed in a bombing during the withdrawal.
He also highlighted the often-overlooked consequences of the event, noting, “We had 47 people obliterated—their arms, their legs, their faces obliterated… What a horrible day it was.”
Trump criticized military leadership for what he sees as gross incompetence, stating that “none of the generals got fired for the incompetence that they showed.”
He argued that under his leadership, the U.S. would have “left with dignity and strength,” ensuring that American equipment and hostages were brought home.
He pointed out that the withdrawal left behind “$85 billion worth of equipment,” which he said would not have happened if he were in charge.
Trump has often criticized the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in his recent speeches.
