Families who lost loved ones during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal are rallying behind Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense. The Abbey Gate Coalition, representing parents and families of the 13 U.S. service members killed in the Kabul airport terrorist attack, urged the Senate Armed Services Committee to confirm Hegseth during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday.
In a letter to senators, the coalition voiced their frustration with the Biden administration’s handling of the withdrawal and its aftermath. They accused the current administration of ignoring their calls for accountability and transparency. “We have been stonewalled at every turn and only given ‘bread-crumbs’ to attempt to make us just go away,” the letter states, blaming the Department of Defense for a “complete coverup” under current leadership.
The chaotic withdrawal in August 2021 led to the deaths of 13 U.S. service members who were defending Kabul airport during the evacuation. Hundreds of Americans and tens of thousands of Afghan allies were left behind as the Taliban reclaimed control of Afghanistan. Families of the fallen have consistently criticized President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, accusing them of failing to honor the sacrifices made and address the disaster’s preventable nature.
The coalition’s letter emphasized that confirming Hegseth is a step toward accountability. “The process for accountability over Afghanistan begins with the confirmation of Hegseth to lead the Defense Department,” it reads.
Conservative critics have also linked the withdrawal to broader geopolitical consequences. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) argued that the U.S.’s perceived weakness during the withdrawal emboldened adversaries, including Russia, to pursue aggressive actions such as the invasion of Ukraine.
Hegseth’s confirmation hearing, which lasted over four hours, featured tough questioning from both Democrats and Republicans. Despite the contentious nature of the hearing, families of the fallen service members are urging senators to prioritize change at the Pentagon.
The coalition’s letter echoes sentiments shared at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee last July, where Trump hosted families of the fallen. Cheryl Juels, aunt of Marine Sgt. Nicole Gee, addressed the audience, stating, “[The Afghanistan withdrawal] was not an extraordinary success. Joe Biden owes the men and women who served in Afghanistan a debt of gratitude, and an apology.”
