US President Donald Trump has once again criticized the withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan, saying the decision weakened Washington’s global standing and damaged the country’s image abroad.
He claimed the United States has since restored its military strength and international respect.
Trump made the remarks in an interview with Fox News, where he compared the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal with recent US military actions elsewhere, including the operation in Venezuela that he said led to the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro.
He argued that the contrast showed how far US military credibility had fallen after Afghanistan and how it has now recovered.
‘Afghanistan Made Us Look Weak’
Trump said that during his first term, he rebuilt the US military but accused the following administration of mishandling the Afghanistan exit.
He claimed large amounts of military equipment were left behind and later fell into the hands of the Taliban.
“We rebuilt the military, and then they gave a lot of it away,” Trump said, calling the decision irresponsible.
He argued that images of abandoned equipment damaged America’s reputation and made the country appear weak on the world stage.
According to Trump, the withdrawal turned the United States into a “laughingstock” internationally.
He said that perception has now changed, adding that Washington has regained deterrence and influence through displays of military power.
Biden defends Afghanistan military withdrawal from US
Trump also said the US military is now stronger than ever and possesses unmatched capabilities and equipment.
He described current US forces as the most powerful in the world, repeating claims that have featured prominently in his national security rhetoric.
The withdrawal from Afghanistan took place under former president Joe Biden.
The Biden administration has consistently defended the decision, saying it ended a two-decade-long war and followed an agreement signed with the Taliban during Trump’s presidency.
US officials under Biden have argued that remaining in Afghanistan would have prolonged conflict and further casualties.
The debate over responsibility for the withdrawal and its consequences continues to divide American politics, as Afghanistan remains under Taliban rule and regional security concerns persist.
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