Gold Star families devastated by Biden’s botched Afghanistan withdrawal endorse Hegseth for SecDef

Families who lost loved ones during the disastrous 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan are rallying behind Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth, who President-elect Trump has chosen to lead the Defense Department. Hegseth faced over four hours of questioning from the Senate Armed Services Committee during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday, where both Republican and Democratic lawmakers grilled him about his plans for the role.

The Abbey Gate Coalition, a group of parents and families who tragically lost their loved ones in a terrorist attack after President Biden withdrew troops from Afghanistan, penned a letter to senators urging them to confirm Hegseth as the new Defense Secretary. The coalition criticized the current administration for its handling of the deadly event, accusing them of taking victory laps and ignoring the sacrifices made by their children.

“We have been stonewalled at every turn and only given ‘bread-crumbs’ to attempt to make us just go away! We feel that there has been a complete coverup at the Department of Defense with the current Secretary of Defense leading the way,” the letter reads.

The families believe that accountability for the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan begins with confirming Hegseth to lead the Defense Department. They are seeking answers and justice for their loved ones who lost their lives in the attack at Abbey Gate outside Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport.

The chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan led to the deaths of 13 U.S. service members defending the Kabul airport, while hundreds of Americans and tens of thousands of Afghan allies were left behind under Taliban rule. The families have been critical of President Biden and Vice President Harris, accusing them of failing to support them and recognize the sacrifices made by their loved ones.

Former President Trump has been supportive of the families, inviting them to the Republican convention in Milwaukee and spending time with them to honor their fallen heroes. The families have expressed gratitude for Trump’s support and understanding, contrasting it with what they perceive as a lack of recognition from the current administration.

As the confirmation process for Hegseth continues, the families are urging senators to listen to their voices and take action to ensure that accountability is upheld for the tragic events in Afghanistan. They are hopeful that with Hegseth at the helm of the Defense Department, there will be a renewed focus on honoring the sacrifices made by their loved ones and seeking justice for those who lost their lives in the Abbey Gate bombing.