Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., has revealed that he is still awaiting a response from the White House regarding his request for a meeting between President Biden and Gold Star families of Afghanistan. These families, who lost loved ones in the tragic Kabul airport terrorist attack on August 26, 2021, are currently in Washington, D.C., this month.
Issa sent a letter to Biden a week ago, urging him to arrange a meeting with the families of the fallen U.S. service members. The attack took place during the tumultuous military withdrawal from Afghanistan, a process marked by chaos and confusion.
During a congressional forum held by Issa, the families expressed their sense of being misled and let down by their own government. Issa’s letter, dated August 10, emphasized the importance of the President taking the time to engage with these families and listen to their concerns, highlighting that such an interaction had not yet occurred.
Issa underscored that the families have been overlooked by the administration, which has seemingly tried to move on from the withdrawal and evacuation events. He conveyed that the families feel ignored, deceived, and betrayed in the wake of their loved ones’ ultimate sacrifice.
The letter proposed arranging a meeting between President Biden and the Gold Star families so that he could gain insight from their experiences and testimonials. Issa extended his willingness to facilitate the meeting and encouraged the President’s staff to get in touch.
As of now, there has been no response from President Biden to Issa’s request, leaving the families still waiting for acknowledgment and engagement. Issa criticized Biden’s handling of the situation, stating that he has yet to address and make amends for the grievances of these Gold Star parents. Issa questioned whether the President possesses the courage to face the families directly.
Fox News Digital reached out to the White House to inquire about the President’s response to the request and any potential plans for a meeting with the families. However, the White House declined to provide a comment.
Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael McCaul, announced plans for a roundtable discussion titled “Examining the Abbey Gate Terrorist Attack,” which will feature some Gold Star family members on August 29. During a previous committee hearing, several family members directly named President Biden and his top Cabinet officials, urging them to resign.
In emotional testimony, family members recounted instances of misinformation, disrespect, and deception by Biden officials. They expressed their frustration over being fed incomplete and incorrect information about their loved ones’ deaths. The families also criticized the administration’s characterization of the evacuation as a success, given the preventable nature of the deaths.
The Gold Star families, including individuals such as Kelly Barnett, Steve Nikoui, and Christy Shamblin, are scheduled to participate in the roundtable discussion, sharing their perspectives on the tragic events.
Despite the President’s claims of honoring the sacrifices of the fallen service members, criticism has been directed at his treatment of Gold Star families, both in the aftermath of the Kabul attack and in prior instances. Accusations include Biden’s reported insensitivity and inappropriate behavior during interactions with grieving families.
In summary, Rep. Darrell Issa is still awaiting a response from the White House regarding a proposed meeting between President Biden and Gold Star families affected by the Kabul airport attack. The families, who feel ignored and betrayed, have expressed their grievances and requested accountability from the administration. While the President’s commitment to honoring the fallen has been stated, concerns over his interactions with Gold Star families persist.
