John Kirby, the Biden administration's National Security Council communications adviser, faced fierce backlash after dismissive remarks regarding the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal resurfaced. During a press briefing, Kirby inadvertently sent an email stating there was "no use in responding" to a "handful of veterans" who criticized the chaotic exit from Afghanistan, which left 13 U.S. service members dead and many Afghans in peril.
The email, reportedly intended as internal communication, was accidentally sent to a journalist, sparking outrage, particularly among veterans. Critics argue that Kirby's attitude reflects a larger pattern of neglect by the administration, with little accountability taken for the disastrous withdrawal.
White House official slammed over accidental email to reporter declaring there’s ‘no use in responding’ to veteran concerns over Afghanistan withdrawal https://t.co/3yzAemBYyd pic.twitter.com/ivtTPqf6Wr
— New York Post (@nypost) September 12, 2024
While acknowledging that not everything went according to plan, Kirby stood by the administration's handling, stating that their efforts saved many lives, evacuating over 120,000 people.
However, Republican lawmakers and military families were less than satisfied. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) called Kirby’s remarks “disgraceful,” highlighting how the administration’s actions have led to long-lasting consequences, including the resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan. Veterans, some of whom have publicly criticized the Biden administration, felt particularly hurt by the apparent disregard of their concerns.
John Kirby is a loser and a sucker! https://t.co/w2HsHbzujB
— Christina Colome (@ChristinaColome) September 12, 2024
The chaotic withdrawal in August 2021 saw desperate scenes at Kabul airport, including civilians clinging to planes as they took off, and the tragic deaths of 13 U.S. troops from a suicide bombing. The operation’s failure has led to a lasting blow to the credibility of U.S. foreign policy, especially in the eyes of allies and adversaries alike.
Kirby has previously maintained that there was no "deception, lying, or lack of transparency" from the administration during the withdrawal. Still, many observers believe the response to veterans' concerns shows a lack of remorse or meaningful accountability. Former President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized Biden's handling of Afghanistan, vowed to hold every official involved in the withdrawal responsible, should he return to the White House in 2025.
The mishandling of the Afghanistan exit remains a sensitive issue for many Americans, especially those who served in the military. The botched withdrawal, compounded by incidents such as the drone strike that killed innocent civilians, continues to cast a shadow over Biden's presidency, with polls showing public dissatisfaction with his foreign policy decisions.
The ongoing fallout from the Afghanistan crisis has prompted a broader discussion about the administration's leadership, with Biden's political opponents seizing on the opportunity to underscore what they describe as a pattern of incompetence. Veterans' groups and military families continue to demand answers, and the controversy surrounding Kirby's remarks is only adding fuel to the fire.
Yeah, ignore every disgusting thing we’ve done in the last four years! “We promise we won’t do it again”!
Kirby should give up his Admiralty. He is a dishonest disgrace.