Trump honors fallen soldiers while criticizing Biden over Afghanistan withdrawal

On August 26, 2021, a suicide bombing occurred at Abbey Gate outside the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, resulting in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and over 100 Afghans during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. In response to this devastating event, former President Donald Trump marked its fourth anniversary on August 26, 2025, by signing a proclamation honoring the fallen soldiers. This took place at the White House, where Trump was surrounded by about 35 family members of those who died, highlighting the personal impact of the tragedy on the families left behind. During the event, Trump expressed his condolences and memory of the fallen service members and criticized the actions of the Biden administration. He emphasized that the attack should never have happened and pointed to the inefficiencies and incompetence surrounding the withdrawal process. Comments from various officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, echoed these sentiments, indicating a desire for accountability and acknowledgment from the current administration regarding the incident. Both Trump and critics have connected this bombing to a broader narrative concerning U.S. military operations and their implications, suggesting that the perceived mishandling of such events under President Biden’s administration has significant ramifications even beyond Afghanistan. Vance called the proclamation signing a 'rectification of a wrong,' highlighting the necessary acknowledgment of sacrifice unrecognized by the previous administration. The aftermath of the suicide bombing and the chaotic evacuation led to lasting implications, including ongoing scrutiny over both administrations' decisions that contributed to the Taliban's swift resurgence in Afghanistan. This public memorial and outcry for recognition serve as both a memorial and a form of political leverage as Trump campaigns for the presidency again, tapping into the emotions of those impacted by the tragedy and advocating for a response that recognizes their sacrifices. The military continues to evaluate the circumstances surrounding the Abbey Gate bombing, with a deeper review commissioned by Trump anticipated to provide insight and accountability in the coming years.