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Jen Psaki clashed with Fox News’ White House correspondent Peter Doocy who asked whether the Biden administration may have done things backwards by withdrawing troops first and not completely following through on evacuations. Mr Doocy suggested the Government was leaving Americans “stranded” in Afghanistan with Jen Psaki quickly biting back and saying she wanted to “call out” Mr Doocy for his suggestion. The clip has been seen over a million times on Twitter with some also taking issue with Ms Psaki saying there were some Americans who may not wish to return back to the US.
Speaking during a White House press conference, Ms Psaki was asked by Mr Doocy whether she agreed most of the criticisms levelled towards President Joe Biden were because of his troop withdrawal before an evacuation could fully end.
He asked: “Does the president have a sense that most of the criticism is not of leaving Afghanistan?
“It’s the way that he has ordered it to happen by pulling the troops before getting these Americans who are now stranded. Does he have a sense of that?”
Ms Psaki looked visibly annoyed at the question and immediately retorted: “I think it’s irresponsible to say Americans are stranded, they are not.
“We are committed to bringing Americans who want to come home, home.”
Mr Doocy then wondered if the White House’s official position was there are no Americans stranded.
Ms Psaki replied: “I’m just calling you out for saying we are stranding Americans in Afghanistan when we have been very clear that we are not leaving Americans who want to return home.
“We are going to bring them home and I think that’s important for the American public to hear and understand.”
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace says it is unlikely for Mr Biden to extend the August 31 troop withdrawal date despite G7 leaders putting pressure on the president.
Mr Biden said there was “no need” for troops to remain in Afghanistan as Al-Qaeda has been defeated.
Mr Wallace revealed over 2,000 people have been evacuated in the past 24 hours bringing the total to over 10,000.
The Taliban revealed there would be “consequences” if the US stays in Afghanistan beyond the August 31 date.
Mr Wallace told Sky News he fears an increased risk of terror attacks in the final days of evacuation as terror groups like ISIS will want to be seen “chasing” the West out of Afghanistan.
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