Former Press Secretary Jen Psaki Apologizes to Gold Star Families Over Biden's Watch Incident
- Jen Psaki offered an apology to the families of 13 U.S. service members who died during the withdrawal from Afghanistan.
- This event reflects the deep sorrow and ongoing impact of the U.S. military actions in the region.
- Her apology has reignited discussions about the chaotic evacuation and its tragic consequences for military families.
Former White House press secretary Jen Psaki issued an apology to the families of the 13 Gold Star military service members who lost their lives during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. This apology came during a transcribed interview with Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, who questioned Psaki about her comments in her book, *Say More*, regarding President Joe Biden's behavior during a ceremony honoring the fallen soldiers. Psaki had previously stated that President Biden did not check his watch during the ceremony at Dover Air Force Base, a claim that has been challenged by photographs from the event. The incident has been leveraged by Republicans and former President Donald Trump to portray Biden as lacking empathy. Families of the deceased service members have expressed their outrage, with Mark Schmitz, father of Marine Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, recalling his frustration as he witnessed Biden repeatedly checking his watch. In response to the backlash, Rep. Mike Waltz (R-FL) highlighted Psaki's acknowledgment of the families' pain and her decision to apologize for her earlier statements. He emphasized that this issue transcends partisan politics, focusing instead on the respect owed to the families of the fallen. Psaki's interview, which began at 11 a.m. on Friday, is expected to continue for several hours, shedding more light on the circumstances surrounding the controversial remarks.