Veterans are very upset about Biden’s latest claim.
President Biden made a statement on X, asserting, “In America, we leave no veteran behind” on Wednesday. However, this declaration was met with strong backlash from veterans who felt the reality of their situation contradicts his words.
Many veterans and their supporters voiced their frustration, citing numerous instances where they felt abandoned both during and after their service. Representative Cory Mills, an Army veteran, pointed out that Americans left in Afghanistan, Israel, and Haiti would likely disagree with Biden’s statement due to what he described as a pattern of abandonment.
Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller, author of “Crisis in Command,” expressed similar sentiments. Scheller, who was relieved of his duties after criticizing the Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021, highlighted how veterans feel used and underappreciated by the system that should support them.
Chad Robichaux, a Marine veteran involved in the largest private evacuation effort from Afghanistan, also criticized Biden, referencing the 13 American soldiers killed during the Kabul airport attack in 2021 and the subsequent financial aid sent to the Taliban.
Representative Brian Mast, who lost his legs in Afghanistan, accused Biden of abandoning American soldiers and criticized the administration’s actions post-withdrawal. Social media was flooded with comments about the service members lost during the chaotic withdrawal and Biden’s perceived lack of respect during a ceremony for the fallen at Dover Air Force Base.
Mark “Oz” Geist, founder of the Shadow Warriors Project and a Benghazi attack survivor, questioned why veterans had to step in to help Americans during the Afghanistan pullout, the crisis in Sudan, and the recent conflict in Israel.
John Hasson from Townhall pointed out the case of Paul Whelan, a U.S. Marine held in Russia, contrasting it with Biden’s efforts to free a WNBA player. Chairman Michael McCaul of the House Foreign Affairs Committee echoed these sentiments, criticizing the administration for leaving Americans and allies behind during the Afghanistan withdrawal.
Criticism also extended to domestic issues. Viktor Ulfrikson highlighted the struggles veterans face with the Department of Veterans Affairs, while Kyle Kulinski pointed out the high number of homeless veterans in the country.
Despite these criticisms, Biden has consistently emphasized his commitment to veterans, often referencing his son Beau, who served in Iraq and passed away from brain cancer in 2015. Biden has linked Beau’s illness to exposure to burn pits during his service.
This week, Biden participated in several events to promote the PACT Act, which provides support for veterans exposed to hazardous substances. Speaking in Nashua, New Hampshire, Biden acknowledged the nation’s shortcomings in supporting its veterans and emphasized the importance of fulfilling America’s duty to them.