Overview

• President Trump criticized military leaders involved in the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, calling for their dismissal during a Cabinet meeting.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a full Pentagon review of the withdrawal, promising accountability for the chaotic and deadly exit.
• The 2021 withdrawal, initiated under an agreement by Trump and executed under Biden, saw the Taliban seize U.S. equipment and control of Afghanistan in weeks.
• Trump suggested recovering military equipment left behind and claimed the Taliban is profiting from selling U.S. gear on a large scale.
• The Trump administration is making significant changes at the Department of Defense, including leadership replacements and policy shifts.