Gold Medal for Troops Amid Criticism of Withdrawal

Congress posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the 13 U.S. service members killed during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. The ceremony highlighted bipartisan respect for the fallen, yet underscored ongoing political tensions. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed regret and emphasized the need for transparency and recognition for the families. Concurrently, House Republicans released a scathing report blaming President Biden's administration for mishandling the withdrawal, accusing it of prioritizing optics over security and ignoring key warnings. Democrats argue some responsibility lies with former President Trump, whose 2020 deal with the Taliban initiated the withdrawal process. The GOP report has been criticized for its timing and perceived political motivations ahead of the upcoming presidential election.