Trump signs proclamation for Abbey Gate attack that killed 13 troops

President Donald Trump marked the anniversary of the Abbey Gate attack during the Afghanistan withdrawal by signing a proclamation in the presence of Gold Star families at the White House. Reflecting on the 13 military service members who lost their lives in the tragic event, Trump also acknowledged the approximately 32 soldiers who were injured.

Vice President JD Vance, a former Marine, described the event as a “rectification of a wrong” and criticized the previous administration for not acknowledging the sacrifices made by the families of the fallen soldiers. The Biden administration faced heavy criticism for the way the withdrawal from Afghanistan was handled, particularly the attack at Abbey Gate.

In 2021, President Biden followed through on plans set in motion during the Trump administration to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan, resulting in the tragic loss of 13 service members in the Abbey Gate bombing. The swift takeover of Kabul by the Taliban further compounded the chaos and tragedy of the situation.

The incompetence displayed during the withdrawal had far-reaching consequences, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noting that the Abbey Gate bombing influenced Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to start a war with Ukraine. The military’s handling of the situation in Afghanistan under the Biden administration has raised serious questions and calls for accountability.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, himself a veteran of Afghanistan, is leading efforts to investigate the events surrounding the Abbey Gate attack. The solemn occasion served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by brave men and women in service of their country, and the need for transparency and accountability in the face of such tragedies.