Former President Donald Trump sparked controversy after the latest interaction with Paula Knauss Selph, the mother of Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss, who was killed during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal.
As reported by BBC on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, Gold Star mother Paula Knauss Selph, who lost her son Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal under the Biden-Harris administration, shared her thoughts on the third anniversary of his death.
The withdrawal, widely criticized as chaotic, claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members, including her son, and has been a point of contention ever since.
Selph did not hold back in her criticism of the Biden-Harris administration, particularly for what she perceives as their failure to take responsibility for the tragic outcome.
Speaking to Fox News, she expressed the pain and frustration felt by many who were impacted by the events in Afghanistan.
“On this day in particular, we are all grieving over something that should have never, ever happened the way it did,” Selph said, emphasizing the deep sense of loss that still lingers.
She pointed out the lack of accountability from the administration, which has been a significant source of anger for many Americans.
“It’s the lack of accountability that has really upset the nation on this. It is the lack of empathy and sympathy for a situation … at least say I’m sorry,” she stated, further adding, “At least apologize for a lack of leadership.”
Former President Donald Trump also weighed in on the issue, addressing a crowd on the same day. He criticized the Afghanistan withdrawal, stating that it severely damaged the United States’ credibility on the world stage.
According to PBS, this loss of respect from foreign leaders and adversaries is a significant consequence of the withdrawal’s mishandling.
Selph agreed with Trump’s assessment, noting the broader implications of the withdrawal on America’s global standing. “He’s right. We lost a lot of credibility in our nation and in our world powers.
We have lost it. And the only way we will gain it back is if we become a world power again,” she told Fox News co-anchor Sandra Smith.
In a poignant moment, Trump honored the 13 fallen soldiers by laying wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery.
A video captured him placing flowers at Ryan Knauss’ grave, a gesture that resonated deeply with Selph. She recounted how Trump called her afterward to express his sorrow, acknowledging the difficulty of the situation.
“He reminded me that there are good leaders in our nation who will step up when the time comes [and] we will all be grateful when the change of hand happens,” Selph said.
While Trump chose to stand with Gold Star families during this solemn occasion, Selph contrasted this with the actions of current leaders.
As Trump honored the fallen, President Joe Biden was on vacation, and Vice President Kamala Harris was busy campaigning, further fueling the divide in how the administration’s response is perceived.
