In a recent email exchange, White House National Security Council communications adviser John Kirby dismissed the concerns raised by military veterans critical of the botched withdrawal from Afghanistan. Kirby's response came in reply to a Fox News Digital press inquiry, where he stated that there was "no use" in addressing the veterans' views. The email chain, which was intended for White House staffers but also included Fox News Digital, contained quotes from four veterans calling out Kirby's Monday press conference for providing "cover" to the Biden administration's withdrawal.

The veterans referenced in the email expressed strong criticism of Kirby's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. Florida Representative Cory Mills, an Army veteran, stated that Kirby's actions showed the Biden-Harris administration's preference for politics over strategy. Mills further accused Kirby of attempting to conceal the administration's failures and emphasized the loss of American lives due to their actions. Additionally, Marine veteran and Benghazi annex security team member Mark Geist criticized Kirby for delivering a "one-sided presentation of facts" and alleged that the U.S. withdrawal was motivated by a desire to focus on the war in Ukraine.

Kirby's dismissive reply in the email chain was sent in error, as he later admitted that he had not realized Fox News Digital was included. He sent a follow-up email clarifying his mistake. The exchange of messages occurred while Kirby was traveling with President Biden on the anniversary of 9/11.

The veterans' criticisms align with a scathing report by House Republicans, led by Texas Representative Mike McCaul, disputing President Biden's claims that his hands were tied by a pre-existing agreement made under former President Trump's administration. The report highlighted failures in the State Department's planning for evacuating Americans and allies, as well as the possible access the Taliban gained to abandoned U.S. weaponry and funds.

During Monday's press conference, Kirby defended the administration's decision to withdraw from Afghanistan, arguing that it was in line with the agreement made by the previous administration. He claimed that President Biden faced a difficult choice upon taking office and ultimately prioritized ending America's longest war. Kirby maintained that the withdrawal allowed additional time for preparation and made the nation safer.

The veterans quoted in the email chain, however, accused Kirby of deflecting from the White House's "failed foreign policies." They pointed to previous instances of dissent within the Department of State, suggesting that the administration concealed warnings about the potential collapse of the Afghan government. The veterans argued that the Biden-Harris administration prioritized political optics over strategic planning, resulting in disastrous consequences for both American service members and Afghan allies.

Following Kirby's accidental email response, his office issued a statement affirming his stand on the press conference comments. While acknowledging that not all veterans agree with him, Kirby stated that he stands by his remarks and emphasized that America's longest war has now concluded.

House Democrats on the Foreign Affairs Committee released a memo countering the Republican report, accusing Republicans of politicizing the Afghanistan withdrawal. They highlighted former President Trump's initiative to reduce troop presence in the country before leaving office.

Critics of the withdrawal, including the veterans in question, expressed concern over Afghanistan's return to the control of terrorist groups. They questioned the administration's decision to continue providing funding to the country, arguing that it runs counter to American national security interests.

As the debate surrounding the botched withdrawal intensifies, it remains to be seen how the Biden administration will address the valid concerns raised by military veterans and the ongoing fallout from the Afghanistan withdrawal.