In a bold move signaling a shift in military accountability, President-elect Donald Trump has demanded the resignations of senior military officials linked to the contentious withdrawal from Afghanistan. Describing the event as a “disastrous failure” and accusing those responsible of treason, Trump aims to ensure that no one associated with the planning and execution of the withdrawal remains in their positions by Inauguration Day, January 20. This demand highlights Trump's commitment to accountability in U.S. foreign policy and reflects his expectation of consequences for perceived leadership failures.
TPV: President-elect Donald Trump has issued a sweeping mandate for the resignations of top military officials involved in the controversial Afghanistan withdrawal.
Calling the event a “disastrous failure” and labeling those responsible as “treasonous,” Trump has demanded that every senior official tied to the planning and execution of the withdrawal submit their resignations by noon on Inauguration Day, January 20.
“We’ll get the resignations of every single senior official who touched the Afghanistan calamity to be on my desk by noon on Inauguration day,” said Trump. “You gotta fire people like on the Apprentice. You did a lousy job. You did a terrible, terrible disservice to this country, you get fired when this happens. Nobody got fired. Nobody ever gets fired in this administration.”
Every single military official involved in the treasonous Afghanistan withdrawal must have their resignations on Trump's White House desk by noon on Inauguration Day.
— George (@BehizyTweets) November 7, 2024
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The President-elect’s demand for resignations marks a clear stance on restoring what he views as accountability in U.S. foreign policy.
He has argued that the chaos surrounding the Afghanistan exit demonstrated a severe breakdown in leadership and planning, resulting in the deaths of American service members and the abandonment of allies.
Though Trump has not named specific officials, his statement casts a wide net, likely targeting figures in both the military and civilian sectors who oversaw the withdrawal’s execution.
The move signals a major shift in military policy under his administration, with an emphasis on responsibility and consequences for national security failures.
As of October 2023, Trump remains a key figure in American politics, advocating for a return to stricter accountability in military operations and foreign policy. The chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 continues to be a contentious topic, influencing discussions around military leadership and U.S. global strategy. Trump's emphasis on consequences for military officials underscores ongoing debates about transparency and responsibility within the armed forces, which may shape future military policies and recruitment strategies.