Kamala Harris' Role in Afghanistan Withdrawal Scrutinized on Anniversary of Deadly Bombing

Republicans criticize Harris for admitting she was "the last person in the room" when Biden decided to evacuate troops, leading to the deaths of 13 US service members.

On the third anniversary of the fatal suicide bombing at Abbey Gate outside Kabul's airport, Republicans are slamming Vice President Kamala Harris for acknowledging her presence as "the last person in the room" when President Biden made the decision to evacuate all US troops from Afghanistan.

Harris' comments, made during an April 2021 interview with CNN's Dana Bash, have drawn criticism from top Republicans, who argue they demonstrate Harris' involvement in the disastrous decision.

Kamala Harris' Role in Afghanistan Withdrawal Scrutinized on Anniversary of Deadly Bombing

"It's morally abhorrent that Vice President Harris bragged about being the ‘last person in the room’ for Biden's Afghanistan withdrawal," tweeted former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. "The American people deserve a full answer on her role in this disaster."

House Speaker Mike Johnson referred to the withdrawal as "disastrous" and honored the service members lost. North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum asserted that the blame for the withdrawal should be shared by both Biden and Harris.

Kamala Harris' Role in Afghanistan Withdrawal Scrutinized on Anniversary of Deadly Bombing

"We got to pin the rose not just on Biden, but on Harris," Burgum told Fox News. "She brags about being the last person in the room with Biden when they made this decision… they made it for date certain and that date certain was chosen for political reasons."

Former Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler criticized Harris for her "worst and most tragic failure" in authorizing "the chaotic exit from Afghanistan." Republican Pennsylvania Senate candidate Dave McCormick condemned Harris for being "proud to be the last person in the room" amid a decision that resulted in the deaths of 13 US service members.

Kamala Harris' Role in Afghanistan Withdrawal Scrutinized on Anniversary of Deadly Bombing

Republicans have also taken issue with Harris' failure to mention the names of the 13 US service members who died in the Kabul airport bombing. "It was the deadliest day for Americans in Afghanistan in over a decade and, to this day, neither Biden nor Harris have said the names of our fallen soldiers," tweeted Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis.

The Trump campaign released a video highlighting Gold Star families who lost loved ones in the bombing, with the caption: "To this day, Kamala Harris has never mentioned these fallen soldiers' names."

Kamala Harris' Role in Afghanistan Withdrawal Scrutinized on Anniversary of Deadly Bombing

Despite requests for comment, the Harris campaign has not responded to Fox News Digital.

Republicans have repeatedly criticized Harris for her comments about being "the last person in the room" during the withdrawal decision. They argue that her presence suggests she was complicit in the planning and execution of the chaotic and deadly operation.

"Harris cannot escape responsibility for the Biden administration's disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal," said Republican National Committee spokeswoman Emma Vaughn. "Her boastful comments about being 'the last person in the room' only underscore her culpability."

The criticism comes amid growing scrutiny of the Biden administration's handling of the withdrawal, which has been widely condemned as a failure. The administration has been accused of ignoring warnings about the Taliban's rapid takeover of Afghanistan, failing to adequately prepare for the evacuation of American citizens and Afghan allies, and underestimating the risks to US forces.

The anniversary of the Kabul airport bombing has reignited the debate over the Afghanistan withdrawal and the role played by Harris. As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Republicans are likely to continue to use Harris' comments to paint her as incompetent and unfit for office.