He said it during the debate.
Family members of U.S. troops killed in Afghanistan in 2021 expressed outrage and dismay with President Joe Biden following his statement during a recent CNN presidential debate, where he claimed no service members died overseas during his tenure as commander-in-chief.
During the debate moderated by CNN’s Dana Bash and Jake Tapper, Biden asserted, “I’m the only president this century, this decade, that hasn’t had any troops dying anywhere in the world.” This comment drew criticism from several Gold Star families who lost loved ones during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
In August 2021, a suicide bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport’s Abbey Gate in Kabul resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members and approximately 170 Afghan civilians. This attack occurred amid evacuation efforts following the Biden administration’s decision to withdraw all troops from Afghanistan.
Mark Schmitz, father of Marine Cpl. Jared Schmitz who was killed in Kabul, expressed disbelief and anger over Biden’s statement, recounting how he received numerous calls in response. Steve Nikoui, father of Marine Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui who also died in the bombing, criticized Biden for failing to acknowledge the sacrifices made by these servicemen and women.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Christian Post regarding Biden’s remarks.
Reflecting on his frustration, Darin Hoover, father of Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover who was killed in the same attack, voiced disappointment that Biden has not personally recognized or honored the fallen service members by name.
In response to the backlash, a White House spokesperson told Fox News that Biden deeply values the sacrifices of service members and their families, citing his attendance at dignified transfer ceremonies for fallen soldiers. However, criticism from families like Kelly Barnett, mother of Taylor, remains poignant, accusing the administration of using their children’s deaths for political purposes.
