Abbey Gate Bombing Commemoration and Pentagon Review on August 26, 2025

Washington, D.C., August 26, 2025 - President Donald J. Trump today signed a proclamation marking the fourth anniversary of the August 26, 2021 suicide bombing at Abbey Gate, Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, which killed 13 U.S. service members and dozens of Afghan civilians.

In a ceremony held in the Oval Office, President Trump was joined by Gold Star family members of the fallen troops. He criticized the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan under President Joe Biden, calling it “the most humiliating display of American foreign policy in our Nation’s history,” and reaffirmed his administration’s pledge to pursue “justice for the Abbey Gate 13”.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the Pentagon has launched an official review of the security failures leading up to the Abbey Gate attack, pledging to implement lessons learned to prevent a recurrence of such a tragedy. Hegseth emphasized the importance of strengthening perimeter defenses and improving intelligence-sharing protocols during overseas evacuations.

Family representatives, including members of the Abbey Gate Coalition, spoke of their ongoing grief and determination to honor the memory of their loved ones. “Their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” said one Gold Star spouse, urging Congress to pass legislation ensuring reparations and continued support for survivors and injured veterans.

As America marks this solemn anniversary, the White House encourages all citizens to reflect on the heroism of the 13 service members-eleven Marines, one sailor, and one Army staff sergeant-who made the ultimate sacrifice during the chaotic Kabul withdrawal, and to uphold the commitment to safeguard U.S. forces and allies abroad.