Official government announcements or press releases

Blinken Defends $10M to Taliban at Congressional Hearing Amid GOP Criticism and Protests

Dec 12, 2024, 01:52 AM

During a congressional hearing, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken faced intense scrutiny from Republican lawmakers regarding the Biden administration's withdrawal from Afghanistan. Critics, including GOP Representative Brian Mast, expressed outrage over the decision, questioning why taxpayer funds are being sent to the Taliban. Blinken defended the withdrawal, stating it marked the end of America’s longest war and allowed for the reallocation of resources to other conflicts. He acknowledged the criticisms, particularly about the aftermath of the withdrawal, which some lawmakers claimed 'lit the world on fire.' Amidst the hearing, Blinken faced protests from activists who accused him of responsibility for civilian casualties in Gaza and Afghanistan. He also issued an apology to families of U.S. troops who died during the withdrawal. Notably, Blinken confirmed that $10 million in U.S. taxpayer funds has been allocated to the Taliban.