Harris Criticizes Trump Over Taliban Negotiations

Vice President Kamala Harris defended President Joe Biden’s choice to withdraw U.S. troops from Afghanistan during a recent debate. The discussion sparked questions about her role and the outcome of the U.S. exit from the country.

In her remarks, Harris noted, “Four presidents said they would [withdraw], and Joe Biden did.” She emphasized that this decision has saved taxpayers approximately $300 million a day that was spent on the prolonged conflict. Remarkably, she highlighted that currently, no U.S. military personnel are engaged in active combat zones, marking the first time this century.

Harris attributed many of the challenges the Biden administration faced in Afghanistan to the previous administration’s strategies. She specifically singled out former President Donald Trump for his handling of U.S.-Afghan relations, indicating that he left behind a complicated situation.

“Donald Trump, when he was president, negotiated one of the weakest deals you can imagine,” Harris stated. She cited criticism from Trump’s own national security adviser, who described the agreement as a poor and ineffective negotiation.

The Vice President took issue with Trump’s direct negotiations with the Taliban, rather than involving the Afghan government. She described this approach as detrimental, particularly emphasizing the release of 5,000 Taliban fighters as part of the agreement.

Furthermore, Harris condemned Trump for inviting the Taliban to Camp David, a site symbolic of dignity in American diplomacy. “This former president invited them because he does not appreciate the role and responsibility of the president of the United States to be commander-in-chief with a level of respect,” she said, highlighting the significance of treating foreign entities with regard and honor.

The debate, where Harris and Trump met for the first time, was held on September 10 in Philadelphia, hosted by ABC. Harris is currently on the campaign trail as the Democratic presidential nominee, a position she took over after concerns about Biden’s performance emerged in June, prompting calls for him to withdraw from the competition.

According to a PBS News/NPR/Marist poll, interest in the debate was high, with over two-thirds of Americans planning to watch all or most of the event. For a segment of the electorate, about 14 percent of Americans believe this debate could significantly influence their decision-making process when choosing a candidate.