President Donald Trump has called for the dismissal of all military generals involved in the disastrous 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal. During a Cabinet meeting on February 26, 2025, Trump directed his remarks toward Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, saying, “I’m not going to tell this man what to do, but I will say that if I had his place, I’d fire every single one of them.” His statement reflects ongoing frustration with military leadership and the decisions that led to the chaotic U.S. exit from Afghanistan.
The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 remains one of the most controversial military operations in modern history. The rushed exit left thousands of American citizens and Afghan allies stranded while the Taliban rapidly seized control of the country. A suicide bombing at Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport killed 13 U.S. service members and more than 100 Afghan civilians. The Biden administration faced harsh criticism for mismanaging the withdrawal, with lawmakers and military analysts labeling it a strategic failure.
Republicans have long argued that the withdrawal was a preventable disaster. Many have pointed to a lack of proper planning and execution by senior military officials. Trump’s latest comments reinforce calls from conservatives to hold top military leaders accountable for their roles in the operation.
In response to Trump’s remarks, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the Pentagon is reviewing the events surrounding the withdrawal. He stated that there will be “full accountability” for the failures that led to American casualties and a weakened U.S. global standing. While he did not indicate whether firings would take place, Hegseth emphasized that military leadership must take responsibility for past mistakes.
A September 2024 report from the House Foreign Affairs Committee heavily criticized the Biden administration and military leadership for mishandling the withdrawal. Committee Chairman Rep. Michael McCaul said the disaster could have been prevented had the State Department and Pentagon executed a proper evacuation strategy. The report accused officials of prioritizing political considerations over national security and safety.
