During the chaotic American withdrawal from Afghanistan, President Joe Biden’s actions raised deep concerns among already heartbroken families of U.S. service members killed in the Kabul attack. In August, 2021, a suicide bombing at Abbey Gate near Kabul’s airport took the lives of 13 American servicemen and women, along with over 170 Afghan civilians. The bombing occurred as U.S. forces were scrambling to evacuate citizens and allies amid the rapid rise of the Taliban.
Instead of showing immediate empathy and respect for the fallen, Biden reportedly took a nap on Air Force One while the families of the fallen Marines were left waiting for hours. These families were at Dover Air Force Base, anticipating the arrival of their family members’ caskets during the “dignified transfer” ceremony. But rather than be present to honor their sacrifice, Biden chose to remain on the plane, which infuriated many who felt that their loved ones deserved the President’s attention, especially during such an emotional and sacred moment.
Roice McCollum, whose sibling Marine Lance Corporal Rylee McCollum died in the blast, spoke out about the insult she felt. She explained that they were forced to wait an additional three hours while the President napped. McCollum even confirmed this through a military officer who told her Joe Biden was asleep on Air Force One. Darin Hoover, dad of Staff Sergeant Taylor Hoover, and Christy Shamblin, mother-in-law of Marine Sergeant Nicole Gee, both lost their children in the explosion. Hoover expressed his frustration, calling Biden a “bumbling old fool” for making them wait while he remained absent.
Biden’s response to the Afghanistan withdrawal and the aftermath has been widely criticized, especially his behavior during the dignified transfer ceremony, where he was seen checking his watch. The White House later attempted to downplay the incident, claiming that Biden’s commitment to the fallen soldiers and their families was unwavering. But for many, his actions spoke louder than words, revealing a lack of leadership and respect for the brave men and women who gave their lives for their country.