The White House blamed former President Joe Biden’s Afghanistan withdrawal for rising security threats in the United States. Officials said recent attacks involving Afghan nationals admitted under Biden’s administration highlight long-term risks. White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt called the Kabul airport bombing and a Washington, DC, shooting “consequences” of past policy failures.
Leavitt said the suicide bombing at Kabul airport killed 13 American service members due to Biden’s “failed retreat from Afghanistan.” She added that an Afghan national admitted during Biden’s tenure carried out a recent terrorist attack near the White House. Officials claimed improper vetting under the previous administration placed American lives at risk.
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The briefing also highlighted “millions of illegal Afghan citizens” in the US, which officials described as a national security threat. Leavitt said those deemed dangerous will be deported. The Trump administration is reviewing all Afghan arrivals admitted during Biden’s tenure to reassess potential risks.
Officials stated that more than 100,000 Afghan nationals were “recklessly allowed into the United States” under Biden. Each case is now undergoing a comprehensive review. Leavitt said large-scale evacuations remain necessary, though she did not provide details on the regions or populations involved.
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During the briefing, Trump administration officials also promoted border security measures, saying travel restrictions and tighter immigration policies have reduced illegal entries. Separately, President Trump will meet with his national security team to discuss ongoing pressure campaigns against Venezuela. Officials reassured the public that Trump’s health is normal, citing a clean MRI report.