Trump Targets VP Harris Over Afghanistan Withdrawal, Sparks GOP Division
August 27, 2024As the U.S. presidential campaign intensifies, Donald Trump has shifted his focus to Vice President Kamala Harris, criticizing her role in the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Trump's criticism centers on the deaths of 13 American soldiers during the withdrawal, which he labels a 'humiliation' caused by both Harris and President Biden.
In a notable political shift, over 200 Republicans are reportedly urging their colleagues to support Harris over Trump, citing concerns about Trump's leadership.
The withdrawal, which Trump initiated during his presidency through a February 2020 agreement with the Taliban, has been widely recognized as a failure.
Reports indicate that while Biden's administration faced challenges in executing the withdrawal, Trump set the stage for the crisis with his prior commitments.
Foreign policy has emerged as a significant topic on the campaign trail, despite it not being a primary concern for most voters.
Harris, while expressing condolences for the fallen soldiers, defended the troop withdrawal as the right decision, asserting that the U.S. can effectively combat terrorism without a ground presence.
Trump's campaign has accused Harris of playing a key role in the 'disastrous' withdrawal and criticized her dismissive responses regarding Americans left in Afghanistan.
McMaster's memoir raises serious questions about Trump's leadership during the withdrawal, noting his initial decision to maintain U.S. presence before reversing that stance.
Despite facing criticism for his comments about veterans, Trump has received endorsements from figures like Tulsi Gabbard, who praised his non-interventionist approach.
Trump claims that the withdrawal has had broader implications, suggesting it has contributed to increased global violence and diminished U.S. credibility.
On the third anniversary of the Kabul airport attack, Trump participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, further emphasizing his focus on the issue.
Summary based on 5 sources