RASC News Agency: Former U.S. President Donald Trump has once again condemned the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, asserting that had he remained in office, he would have ensured the retention of Bagram Airfield. Speaking at the White House during the signing of new executive orders, Trump described Bagram as one of the most strategically significant airbases in the world, claiming that it is now under Chinese control. “Just look at Afghanistan it was an absolute disgrace,” Trump stated. “I believe the disastrous withdrawal directly emboldened Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. Putin watched the sheer incompetence with which the U.S. handled its exit and saw an opportunity. I would have pulled out, but I would have never abandoned Bagram.
China now has full control over it. My plan was to retain one of the largest and most strategically vital airbases in the world, but they simply gave it away,” he added. Trump further emphasized that while he had always intended to withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan, he would have ensured Bagram remained under American control, specifically due to concerns over China’s influence in the region. His remarks come as part of his ongoing presidential campaign, during which he has repeatedly condemned the Biden administration’s handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. Throughout his campaign, Trump has insisted that maintaining Bagram was a strategic imperative, yet he has not articulated a clear Afghanistan policy should he return to office.
In a further escalation of his stance, Trump recently signed executive orders suspending the majority of U.S. aid to Afghanistan, underscoring his commitment to curbing American financial commitments to the country.
