Blinken to Testify on Afghanistan Withdrawal After Facing Contempt Threat

Secretary of State Antony Blinken will appear before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on December 11, following months of resistance and Republican pressure.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has agreed to testify before the House Foreign Affairs Committee regarding the Biden administration's 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The decision comes after the committee advanced contempt proceedings against Blinken for previously defying a subpoena to testify in September 2024.
The withdrawal, marked by the rapid Taliban takeover of Kabul and the deaths of 13 U.S. service members, has been heavily criticized for its chaotic execution and lack of preparation.
House Republicans have accused the Biden administration of ignoring internal warnings and advice from military and intelligence officials about the risks of a full withdrawal.
The hearing is expected to provide accountability and transparency on decisions made during the withdrawal and address concerns raised by Afghan allies and Gold Star families.