This past weekend marked a poignant moment as former President Donald Trump paid tribute to the thirteen brave service members who tragically lost their lives during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan three years ago. Trump’s presence at Arlington National Cemetery underscored his commitment to honoring the fallen, participating in a private event alongside the families of three service members.
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden chose a beach vacation over the ceremony, and Vice President Kamala Harris remained at home, both absent despite receiving invitations to the solemn gathering.
Government Accountability in Question
The botched withdrawal not only led to tragic loss but also exposed severe flaws in administration accountability. Remarkably, no military or government officials have faced dismissal over the fiasco, leaving bereaved families seeking answers and accountability. Allie Beth Stuckey, host of “Relatable,” pointedly criticizes the prevailing government ethos, stating,
“Of course, that’s not how our kakistocracy works. That’s not how our bureaucracy works. You get to fail upward as long as you tow the line on progressive ideology, just ask Anthony Fauci.”
Kamala Harris’s Controversial Absence
While Trump showed his respects, Vice President Harris opted out and instead criticized Trump for allegedly “politicizing the ceremony” and disrespecting the sacred grounds—a charge that has sparked significant backlash. “She certainly has no moral high ground,” asserts Stuckey.
“She has no place to criticize Donald Trump for being self-serving in any way. She’s just jealous that she decided to make this misstep that she was not there to honor these fallen soldiers even though she had the choice.”
Social Media Backlash and Trump’s Response
The Vice President took her grievances to social media platform X, sparking a pointed response from Trump. He quote-tweeted Harris’s post with a video of Gold Star families expressing their profound disappointment with the Biden administration’s actions that led to the disastrous withdrawal. One grieving family member in the video lamented,
“Where were you and Joe Biden on August 26, 2024? Nowhere near Arlington Cemetery,”
highlighting the perceived neglect by top officials.
In a heartfelt letter, Gold Star families did not mince words, accusing Harris of “disgracefully twisting this sacred moment into a political ploy” and criticizing her lack of empathy and leadership. “Vice President Harris has repeatedly ignored us, showing a complete lack of empathy and accountability. Her actions both in the failure of the Afghanistan withdrawal and in her disgraceful politicization of this anniversary have shown that she lacks the judgment, compassion, and leadership required for commander-in-chief,” the letter detailed.
Stuckey concludes with a nod to the families’ bravery in speaking out: “Good for Trump for allowing them to use their words, because they speak volumes now.”
