Former President Donald Trump recently lashed out at CBS News White House correspondent Nancy Cordes, dubbing her “stupid” for challenging his assertion that the Biden administration failed to properly vet Afghan nationals entering the U.S. The remarks came in the wake of a police shooting incident involving a suspect who had worked with the CIA in Afghanistan.
This altercation underscores the ongoing controversy surrounding the vetting processes of Afghan refugees, a topic that remains a hot-button issue in American politics. With the credibility of the Biden administration on the line, this incident could have wider implications for national security discussions.
Key Developments
- Trump claimed that Afghans entering the U.S. under a Biden-era program were not vetted.
- Cordes referenced a recent report by the Department of Justice Inspector General that confirmed thorough vetting procedures were followed.
- Trump attacked Cordes personally while defending his statements about Afghan refugees.
- Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the suspect in the shooting, entered the U.S. under Operation Allies Welcome and worked with the CIA.
- One National Guard member died, while another is in critical condition; the suspect now faces upgraded charges including first-degree murder.
Full Report
Trump’s Claims and Cordes’ Response
During a news briefing, Trump asserted that the Biden administration allowed thousands of unvetted Afghans to enter the country, claiming it contributed to a recent shooting incident involving National Guard members. In response, Cordes cited a 2023 report from the Department of Justice Inspector General, which indicated that the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI conducted thorough vetting of Afghan nationals. The exchange escalated as Trump insulted Cordes, questioning her intelligence for asking challenging questions.
The Incident
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the suspect charged in the shooting of two members of the West Virginia National Guard, was linked to the CIA’s operations in Afghanistan. Following the shooting, one member, Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, succumbed to her injuries, while Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe is reported to be in critical condition. Prosecutors announced that charges against Lakanwal would be upgraded to include first-degree murder in light of the incident’s severity.
Context & Previous Events
The controversy stems from the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, which prompted the resettlement of many Afghan nationals under programs such as Operation Allies Welcome. The effectiveness and thoroughness of the vetting process for these individuals has been a focal point in partisan debates since the withdrawal.
