Former President Donald Trump paid tribute to the 13 service members who lost their lives during the flawed withdrawal from Afghanistan three years ago. In a private event held at Arlington National Cemetery, Trump laid wreaths in honor of Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee, Staff Sgt. Darin Hoover, and Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss, who were among those killed in the ISIS-K suicide bombing outside Hamid Karzai International Airport's Abbey Gate on August 26, 2021.

Accompanied by former Marines Tyler Vargas-Andrews and Kelsee Lainhart, who were severely wounded in the same attack, Trump spent time with the families of the fallen servicemen. Their presence brought solace and comfort to the grieving families, as they appreciated the former president's support. Congressman Michael Waltz, a veteran of the Afghan war, described the morning as challenging but powerful.

Meanwhile, President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were absent from the White House for the second consecutive week. The White House published separate statements from both leaders honoring the sacrifice and bravery of the fallen service members. Biden recognized the patriotism of these individuals who risked their lives for the safety of fellow Americans, allies, and Afghan partners. Harris emphasized the administration's commitment to countering terrorist threats and protecting the American people.

Speculation arose concerning their absence from the Arlington commemoration. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby clarified that Trump had received personal invitations from the families, whereas Biden and Harris were not extended the same invitation. Kirby emphasized that the administration is continuously working to support the families of those who have been impacted by the war in Afghanistan.

The Trump administration has been vocal in its criticism of Biden's handling of the withdrawal, particularly regarding the lack of an official ceremony honoring the fallen service members. The private event at Arlington aimed to underscore Biden's and Harris' roles in the withdrawal process, following Harris' acknowledgment that she was the last person in the room when the decision was made.

Gold Star families, still seeking accountability three years after the tragedy, voiced their frustration at the lack of consequences for the military and government officials involved in the botched withdrawal. Some families, including Christy Shamblin, mother-in-law of Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee, expressed gratitude towards Trump for his response to the tragedy. They hope that those responsible for the disastrous outcome will face dismissal and that their presence will bring closure to the grieving families.

Former President Trump's visit to Arlington served as a reminder of the significant loss suffered and the need for accountability. The chaotic withdrawal, according to Trump, portrayed American weakness and emboldened adversaries. As the nation reflects on the third anniversary of the botched Afghanistan withdrawal, the call for answers and justice for the fallen service members continues to echo.