On the third anniversary of her son's death in the Afghanistan withdrawal, a Gold Star mother revealed a poignant conversation with former President Donald Trump.
According to Fox News, Selph disclosed that Trump contacted him immediately following the event to express his regret. Selph also conveyed her frustration with the lack of accountability from the current administration regarding the circumstances of her son's death.
Paula Knauss Selph, whose son Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss, was among the 13 U.S. service members killed in the Kabul airport attack, spoke out about her experience and the ongoing impact of the tragic event.
The mother's remarks came as Gold Star families across the nation marked the solemn anniversary of the August 26, 2021 suicide bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul. Selph's appearance on "America Reports" provided insight into the continued grief and quest for answers that these families face three years after the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Former President Donald Trump made a notable gesture by laying wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery to honor the fallen soldiers. Selph revealed that Trump contacted her shortly after visiting her son's grave. She recounted Trump's words, saying he expressed sorrow at having to perform such a solemn duty and reassured her about the presence of good leadership in the nation.
Trump's actions and words seemed to resonate with Selph, who appeared to find comfort in his acknowledgment of the sacrifice made by her son and other service members. The former president's visit to Arlington National Cemetery and his subsequent phone call to Selph highlighted the ongoing significance of the Afghanistan withdrawal and its impact on Gold Star families.
This personal interaction between a former president and a Gold Star mother underscores the lasting effects of military operations and the importance of leadership in addressing the needs of families who have lost loved ones in service to the country.
Selph did not mince words when discussing her perspective on the current administration's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal aftermath. She expressed disappointment in what she perceived as a lack of accountability and empathy from government officials. Selph stated:
On this day in particular, we are all grieving over something that should have never, ever happened the way it did. 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. At least apologize for a lack of leadership.
Her comments reflect a sentiment shared by other Gold Star families who feel that their loss has not been adequately addressed or acknowledged by current leadership. Selph's call for an apology and accountability highlights the ongoing emotional toll on families affected by the events in Kabul.
In a move to honor the fallen service members, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced plans to present the Congressional Gold Medal to the families who lost loved ones in the Kabul airport attack. This gesture of recognition from Congress was welcomed by Selph, who stated that it "brings honor" not only to the 13 grieving families but also to the nation as a whole.
The announcement of the Congressional Gold Medal presentation comes amidst ongoing discussions about the Afghanistan withdrawal and its consequences. It represents an official acknowledgment of the sacrifice made by the service members and their families, while also keeping the conversation about the events of August 2021 in the public eye.
In conclusion, the third anniversary of the Kabul airport attack brought renewed attention to the experiences of Gold Star families. Paula Knauss Selph's account of her interaction with former President Trump and her criticism of the current administration's response highlighted the ongoing impact of the Afghanistan withdrawal.
The announcement of Congressional recognition for the fallen service members and the continued debate surrounding the events of August 2021 demonstrate that the effects of this tragedy continue to reverberate through American politics and society.
