The Trump transition team is reportedly compiling a list of senior U.S. military officers involved in the withdrawal from Afghanistan and considering whether they could be court-martialed for their actions. The team is exploring the possibility of creating a commission to investigate the 2021 withdrawal, including potential charges of treason against military leaders. The transition team is being led by former deputy assistant secretary of defense Matt Flynn and aims to review how the U.S. first got involved in the war in Afghanistan and how the withdrawal was carried out.
Former president Donald Trump has criticized the withdrawal, calling it a humiliation and blaming both the Trump and Biden administrations for the chaotic exit. Trump’s choice for secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, has also criticized the withdrawal and called for a radical overhaul of Pentagon leadership.
The transition team is considering recalling several commanders to active duty for possible charges, though it is unclear if treason charges would be pursued. Trump is reportedly intent on setting an example through lesser charges that highlight the officer’s involvement in the withdrawal.
Former officials who advised against key policies during Trump’s first administration, such as withdrawing troops from Syria and deploying active-duty troops domestically after George Floyd’s killing, have expressed concerns about potential actions in the new transition. Overall, there is tension and controversy surrounding the Trump transition team’s plans to possibly pursue court-martial charges against military officers involved in the Afghanistan withdrawal.
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