Trump Signs Proclamation Honoring Victims of Abbey Gate Bombing

Donald Trump signed a proclamation on September 11, 2021, to commemorate the fourth anniversary of the bombing at Abbey Gate, which resulted in the deaths of 13 U.S. service members during the withdrawal from Afghanistan. The signing took place in the Oval Office, where Trump met with family members of those killed in the bombing.

During the ceremony, Trump expressed his condolences and gratitude towards the families, stating, “There are some great souls that are looking down on you right now, and they’re very proud of their parents, and brothers, and sisters, and moms and dads especially.” His remarks highlighted the emotional impact of the tragedy and reiterated the sacrifices made by military families.

The proclamation itself directly criticized President Joe Biden, referring to the Biden administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan as the “single most embarrassing display of American foreign policy in the history of our country.” Trump emphasized the importance of remembering the service members who lost their lives and reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to protecting American interests.

In his statement, Trump said, “As our Nation solemnly marks four years since the attack at Abbey Gate, we honor the memory of the 13 brave souls and every military service member to ever die in the line of duty.” He used this occasion to renew calls for a stronger U.S. presence abroad and to defend American sovereignty.

Trump’s campaign has consistently targeted Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris over the Afghanistan withdrawal, especially focusing on the Abbey Gate bombing. Last year, then-candidate Trump visited Arlington National Cemetery to mark the three-year anniversary of the U.S. withdrawal, an event that attracted scrutiny due to clashes between his staff and cemetery officials.

Biden’s administration has maintained that the withdrawal was a necessary and inevitable decision, arguing that the previous administration left them with a challenging situation. Officials have pointed out that the decision to end the long-standing conflict was ultimately Biden’s, despite the criticisms leveled against his handling of the withdrawal.

As the anniversary of the bombing approaches, the ongoing debate over the withdrawal continues to shape the political landscape in the United States. The proclamation serves not only as a tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice but also as a political tool in the broader discussion surrounding U.S. foreign policy and military engagement in conflict regions.