Trump Eyes Potential return to Afghan Airbase, Criticizes Biden’s Withdrawal
Washington D.C. – Former President Donald Trump has publicly stated his desire to regain control of a key military airbase in Afghanistan, currently under Taliban control. the remarks came during a press conference with British Prime minister Keir Starmer and were further elaborated upon during his flight back to the United States aboard Air Force one.
Trump argued that the Taliban is heavily reliant on the United States and suggested a potential negotiation could lead to the base reverting to American control,operating under the authority of the Kabul government.
The former president leveled sharp criticism at the biden governance’s handling of the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, falsely claiming China had taken control of the airfield. “It was a glaring incompetence that they gave it away,” Trump stated, describing the base as “one of the most powerful in the world in terms of strength and size.” He hyperbolically added, “You can land there…you can land there with a planet.” He questioned the rationale behind relinquishing such a strategically valuable asset, particularly given it’s proximity to Chinese interests in the region.
Sources at CNN report that discussions regarding a potential return to control of the base have been ongoing since at least March. Trump administration officials have previously suggested several potential benefits to regaining access, including enhanced monitoring of Chinese activity, access to valuable rare earth minerals, and a renewed platform for counter-terrorism operations against groups like ISIS.
The feasibility of such a return remains unclear, given the current political landscape in Afghanistan and the Taliban’s firm grip on power. However, Trump’s statements highlight a continued interest in re-establishing a U.S. presence in the region,framed as a correction of what he views as strategic errors made by his successor.
